Formula 1 News

2009 Malaysian GP, race: McLaren-Mercedes quotes 

Martin Whitmarsh: “The extremely changeable dry-wet conditions made today’s race a very challenging one for all competitors – but, as ever, Lewis’s ability shone brightly in the gathering gloom and the race brought another really impressive performance from him. He kept his head throughout, and the result was a hard-earned point for seventh place. That may not sound like a great deal by our usually high standards – but, given where he started, it’s a step in the right direction. Overall, then, in testing conditions the team did a great job – as did Lewis.”

Heikki Kovalainen: “My start was okay. I was taking it quite carefully and was trying to slot in behind Lewis, then I just lost the rear and spun out. It was my mistake. Game over.”

Norbert Haug: “A race like a battle. Despite starting from the sixth row on the grid, Lewis was in good shape – and everybody who kept his car on the track in these conditions was a hero today. Congratulations to Jenson Button and Brawn GP on the second consecutive win with Mercedes power; which he both achieved from pole position.”

Lewis Hamilton: “When the rain came down, it was impossible to drive. I was aquaplaning everywhere – these were the most dangerous conditions I’ve ever raced in. All I could do was try and keep the car on the track. It was the correct decision to stop the race because it was just too dangerous for everyone. I love it when it rains, but this was just too much.”

source: McLaren Mercedes