Still,
McLaren may not need such breaks for the Turkish Grand Prix, following their commanding performance there last year, with Raikkonen leading, almost, from lights-to-flag and getting another two points up on Alonso.
Raikkonen may be fighting a different
Renault this year, but with limited data of the circuit, the Finn is confident that the slight disadvantage he has to Renault and
Ferrari will be levelled out by his speed on the relatively new circuit.
“Although it is great for the team to have the short break, I am looking forward to getting back to racing, particularly as we are in Turkey this time out,” he said. “The Istanbul Speed Park is a terrific circuit, it is demanding on the cars, but great fun to drive, with lots of different types of corner, some straights and elevation changes.
“I took the maiden pole and victory at the Istanbul Speed Park last year, and it would be fantastic to repeat it in 2006. The car again felt strong in Hungary and we had good pace, so we will all be pushing hard towards this.”
Having claimed his maiden podium in Hungary, Pedro de le Rosa is riding on a wave of confidence going into the Turkish Grand Prix, a circuit he has experience of when he was McLaren-Mercedes’ Friday test driver there last season.
Indeed, the Spaniard enjoys the demanding circuit, despite the fact his career best result came in Hungary, a venue that could be considered something of a polar opposite in terms of style and facilities. Nonetheless, de la Rosa is confident of a good result, potentially even a win.
“I cannot wait to race at the Istanbul Speed Park, it is a fantastic track, I had a lot of fun driving it in my role as Friday driver last year,” de la Rosa said. “It is however quite precise from a set-up perspective, although this year we of course have data about the track before we arrive. It was awesome to get the podium at the Hungaroring and my aim is now of course to get one step higher.”
