The West McLaren Mercedes team has an excellent record at the A1-Ring, having secured a podium finish in every race held at the revised circuit. The team has also claimed two one-two victories since 1997, with Mika Hakkinen and David in 1998 and 2000. At the 2001 Austrian Grand Prix David secured victory, having started from the fourth row on the grid, and Kimi took fourth position.
KIMI RAIKKONEN
“The combination of slow corners and fast
straights at the A1-Ring requires a compromise in downforce configuration,
to optimise set-up for the different challenges the circuit offers. There
are a number of good overtaking opportunities at the track, in particular
through the first two corners, the Castrol and Remus Kurves. However the
tight right of Castrol is often the scene of first corner incidents. I
had a solid race in Austria last year, securing fourth, which was my joint
highest position of 2001, and I am hoping to improve on that result in
this years race.”
