Formula One news

McLaren leading the way in Hungary

Martin Whitmarsh has already felt that McLaren could be dark horses to win this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix and all looks good for the team after the first two practice sessions on Friday. As Heikki Kovalainen topped the first, Lewis Hamilton moved ahead of his team-mate in an all-silver one-two in the afternoon.

With all drivers in the pit lane still holding a mathematic chance of clinching the title - a statistic which will most likely be invalid after this weekend - Hamilton was satisfied to top the timesheets after the team's strong Row 3 qualifying performance in Germany a fortnight ago.

Kovalainen led the way in the morning session

"We've refined the improvements we had at the Nürburgring, and they seem to be working, but we've still got a lot of work to do to beat the Red Bulls, particularly," the World Champion admitted later on Friday afternoon. "Nevertheless, it's encouraging to be able to push the car - I'm happier with it than I've been all season."

With early season results having embarrassed the team which won last season's Drivers' title, the second half of 2009 looks to be a damage limitation exercise. "The grip level is so much higher now," Kovalainen continued of the MP4-24. "Stability under braking is much better and the guys have done a fantastic job to improve the balance at the rear.

"I still think we need to look at the data and analyse the strength of the opposition; of course, it would be fantastic to carry this over into qualifying and the race but we need to be realistic - I'm sure tomorrow morning will give us a much clearer idea of the position of the Brawns and the Red Bulls but, after today's performance, I'll definitely be going for it!"

more news

• 27 Nov.
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  • GPUpdate TV: Domenicali - high hopes for 2010
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  • Alonso makes second visit to Ferrari
  • Force India confirms Sutil and Liuzzi
  • All new teams now FOTA members
  • Sauber buys team back from BMW
  • De la Rosa pushing for race drive
  • Ecclestone: I won't buy Donington
  • Haug becomes part of F1 in Schools
  • Volkswagen to provide F1 engines?
• 26 Nov.
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  • Conway and Ericsson to test for Mercedes
  • 4 driver options left for Lotus
  • 'F1 in need of Schumacher return' - Verstappen
• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver

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