Formula One news

Satisfying Friday for McLaren

McLaren were delighted to have topped both practice sessions as Formula One visits Abu Dhabi for the first time this weekend. With the curtain going up on the final race meeting of the season before coming down on the 2009 campaign on Sunday night, Heikki Kovalainen set the pace at Yas Marina with 2008 Champion team-mate Lewis Hamilton second.

Heading into the season finale this weekend, just one task is on the minds of those working in Surrey: to ensure that McLaren finishes the season ahead of rivals Ferrari; the English team currently has the advantage for third place in the Constructors' Championship, albeit by a single point, as Finn Kovalainen set the best example with a lap time of 1:41.307.

Hamilton topped the first afternoon session on Yas Island

"The whole day was pretty good," he summed up "We'd already done some good work in Woking preparing for this circuit, so we had a good balance right from the start this morning. However, we had a brake issue during first practice which we couldn't sort out during the session.

"This afternoon, we got it sorted and were able to improve considerably, with both tyres working well. The circuit is cool - it's very smooth with good grip and the kerbs are nice. Turns 2 and 3 are not easy-flat but, with the good balance of the car, they're fun." Heikki added that the team's slightly tinted visor tear-off strips, which are removable for when the sun sets, worked well.

"They've done an incredible job here," Hamilton added of the spectacular setting. "It's a really nice circuit to drive - there are a lot of technical corners, where braking stability is important. It's a great track and I really enjoy driving it. The only bit I don't like is the tunnel - but it's a challenge!"

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