Formula One news

McLaren happy with on track action at least

McLaren masked its bitter disappointment at the world motorsport council's decision with a strong performance in today's two practice sessions at Spa. 

Fernando Alonso was fastest in Friday's second free practice for the Belgian Grand Prix, setting a time of 1m46.654. His team mate Lewis Hamilton was second with 1m46.765; 0.111sec behind. Fernando completed 29 laps and Lewis did 28. In the morning session, Lewis was second fastest with 1min47.881 (19 laps) followed by Fernando in third place with 1min47.994 (17 laps).

"A good start to the weekend, with all our set-up work completed and with some positive results," Alonso said. "The car feels good to drive round here, but as always there is still room for improvement. We have a good idea of where we are and where we can improve, so it should be a close fight all weekend."

"Today we completed all our work without any problems," Hamilton said. "I love this circuit, so really enjoyed driving round here and just seeing what the MP4-22 could do. The balance of the car on this technical circuit is good, but I struggled to get a clear lap all session until the very end. That being said I could really feel a definite improvement in our overall performance since we tested here back in July."

more news

• 08 Sep.
  • Ferrari wont rush team orders decision
  • Alonso is best driver in F1 - Brawn
• 07 Sep.
  • McLaren to appeal Hamilton penalty
  • Ferrari boss responds to Hamilton penalty
  • Hamilton penalty hands Massa victory
  • Heidfeld gamble pays off for BMW
  • Glock given 25-second penalty
  • Red Bulls upstaged by Toro Rossos
  • Double points-finish moves Toro Rosso up
  • Renault encouraged by Alonso's fourth
  • Force India happy to get both cars to flag
  • Disappointing day for Williams
  • Pointless day drops Honda to ninth
  • Glock makes point for Toyota
  • Hamilton - Kimi pushed me wide
  • Massa happy with second
  • Hamilton and Raikkonen under investigation
  • Hamilton wins thrilling Belgian Grand Prix
  • Photos: Sunday at Spa-Francorchamps
  • Heidfeld confident of new BMW deal
  • Dennis hints Hamilton may be light
• 06 Sep.
  • Ferrari plot fight for victory from second
  • Alonso sets Renault up in sixth
  • Heidfeld leads BMW qualifying charge
  • Force India happy with pace
  • Worst qualifying for Toyota
  • Webber gives Red Bull hope
  • Williams struggles in qualifying
  • Dismal day sees both Hondas out in Q1
  • Both Toro Rossos back in top ten
  • Hamilton gushing with confidence on pole
  • Massa's perfect lap not enough
  • Kovalainen lost out in middle sector
  • Hamilton storms to Belgian pole
  • Spa-Francorchamps to rename Stavelot corner
  • Heidfeld tops final practice session
  • Photos: Saturday at Spa-Francorchamps
  • Donington Park submit first phase plans
• 05 Sep.
  • McLaren pleased with first day
  • Raikkonen crash hinders Ferrari preparations

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