Although
McLaren insist the gap between the two teams was perhaps exaggerated by various factors,
Ferrari looked far more confident in France and they insist this pace is here to stay. So is the advantage with Ferrari now? With just a week between races in France and Great Britain,
Silverstone is likely to answer that very question…
Meanwhile, away from the circuit, both McLaren and Ferrari are embroiled in an increasingly curious legal battle over various actions that have led to Nigel Stepney being sacked by the Italian team. On the same day, McLaren announced they too had suspended a key figure for a similar reason. Although the circumstances behind the two dismissals remain largely under wraps it threatens to cast a shadow over the teams this weekend.
NEWS FROM THE TEAMS:
McLaren – Fernando Alonso (#1), Lewis Hamilton (#2):
Always a popular attraction at the British Grand Prix regardless thanks to their obvious home grown roots, not to mention their success in the past, Lewis Hamilton’s role means the Silverstone stands are likely to be awash with silver and a dash of red – that is if McLaren are willing to provide branded raincoats…
Indeed, Hamilton dubs this weekend’s race as the most important of his season, but if it is pressure he is worried about than his performances under the spotlight recently would seem to suggest he revels rather than crumbles when the going gets tough – arguably a sign of a true star…
"Without a doubt, the Santander British Grand Prix will be the biggest race of the year for me, as it’s my debut home race. It is going to be another new experience, I expect the atmosphere will be incredible and I cannot wait to race in front of my home fans. To win at this race would be immense, but we have to be realistic with our expectations. This is one race out of 17 and as with all the grands prix, I will do my best to win for the fans, but the most important thing for them is to enjoy the whole weekend whatever the result will be. Silverstone always seems to have great races.”
