Formula 1 News

2008 German GP, Qualifying: McLaren-Mercedes quotes 

Ron Dennis: “Today we saw another excellent team performance by all at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. Clearly, we’re delighted for Lewis, who drove a great lap to take pole position in what I’m sure most people will agree was a gripping end to today’s qualifying session. But we’re equally pleased with Heikki, who recovered very impressively after his ‘off’ earlier in the session. He pushed hard, kept his head and carved a fast but disciplined lap that placed him third on tomorrow’s grid. As regards tomorrow, we believe we have a competitive strategy and are therefore looking forward to putting in a strong performance in what is the second successive home Grand Prix for our team.”

Heikki Kovalainen: “In the final session my car felt the best it has all weekend. But on my first run I lost the rear-end entering the stadium section and ran wide. And on my final run I did a little bit of rally-crossing at the last corner. Taking that into account, it was a good lap.”

Norbert Haug: “That was a thrilling qualifying and Lewis made things clear at the last possible moment. A great lap which led him to the best position to start our second home Grand Prix after Silverstone. Heikki was on pole a fortnight ago, now it’s Lewis’s turn. With Heikki in third place on the clean side of the track, we are in a good position for tomorrow’s race but we certainly are not underestimating our competitors.”

Lewis Hamilton: “What a lap! My first run during Q3 wasn’t bad, but my final lap was very smooth and I expected to set an even better time. The wind made today’s conditions quite tricky and sometimes it was difficult to stay on the racing line, particularly in the stadium section – where the wind seemed to change a couple of times. The team did a really good job to adjust to these conditions and to prepare the car perfectly. We’ve been fast and consistent all weekend, we have good pace, and I’m confident for tomorrow.”

source: McLaren Mercedes