Finn back at McLaren, Toyotas get a clear crack at the track
December 2nd, 2006
For a day, a Finn was back in the McLaren seat. No, we’re not talking about Kimi (who despite still being under contract with McLaren for the remainder of the year won’t be taking part in testing). We’re talking about former two-time world champion Mika Häkkinen, back in action for the first time since 2001. Häkkinen completed 79 laps at the Catalunya circuit yesterday, running an evaluation program for the team. Despite being some 3 seconds off the pace, it was nice to see the former world champion back on track. You can read more on Mika’s drive at F1Racing.net, and view pictures at the official Formula One website’s gallery.
Meanwhile, Toyota wrapped up this week’s testing runs at Barcelona on Friday. Having started a day later than the other teams, Toyota race drivers Jarno Tulli and Ralf Schumacher were the only ones able to take to the track. Both drivers were able to lap considerably faster, setting the only sub-1:16.000 laps of the testing period. Must’ve been nice for the team to have the circuit all to themselves.
Anyway, testing moves on to Jerez for the next two weeks, where we can all expect more action as we count down to the start of the 2007 season.
Entry Filed under: Formula 1
2 Comments Add your own
1. Roy Madden | December 2nd, 2006 at 11:48 pm
You’d have to wonder what the point of Mika getting a drive was - I don’t remember him being particularly great at car development.
2. Anthony Casson | December 3rd, 2006 at 7:03 am
Roy, I think what you are remembering is the time when he, of course, was a pilot. Most pilots aren’t very good car developers (they’re good, but not as good as those who focus on it). Well, he is no longer an F1 pilot so I think he can help quite a bit. Mika talks far differently than most pilots now. What I mean is he talks with much excitement and passion for F1. I personally don’t think he’ll go back to DTM, leaving the door wide open for him to focus on McLaren. Oh well, we shall see what happens.
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