Formula One news

McLaren improving in Monaco

The McLaren team showed a markedly improved performance in Monaco's first two practice sessions on Thursday as Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen finished the afternoon in second and seventh places. With a lack of downforce, the Turkish Grand Prix in two weeks' time may not be so successful although the Woking-based squad is remaining upbeat.

McLaren team principal, Martin Whitmarsh, in Monaco

The team lies fourth in the constructors' World Championship at present after scoring thirteen points from the first five races of the year, with the largest haul of seven coming in China. "The whole team loves the thrill and tension of the Monaco weekend and today's performance has left us feeling encouraged that we will have another successful weekend in the principality," team principal Martin Whitmarsh said on Thursday.

"Both Lewis and Heikki have really dived into the challenge, both producing some excellent times and, most importantly, helping to refine our technical package ahead of Saturday's crucial qualifying session and the race itself. We go into Saturday feeling extremely positive about getting a strong result from both drivers."

"It is too early to know where we will be in qualifying compared to our competitors, but Lewis and Heikki should hopefully be in better shape than at previous races," continued Mercedes vice president for motorsport Norbert Haug. "The car so far just looks better on this track and our mechanical and aerodynamic improvements seem to help. Having said that, I do not see us as favourites like in previous years, from which have won six Grands Prix out of 11 since McLaren-Mercedes' maiden win in 1998."

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