The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS team finished fastest in both free practice sessions at Monza, but it was not all plain-sailing for the German team as mechanical woes once again reared their ugly head. Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg both topped a session each, but for one driver, their day was hindered by a technical issue.
Hamilton was fastest in the first practice session but was forced to wait for over an hour to get on track in the second session as the team investigated an electrical fault that meant the Briton’s car did not start. He is hoping that this setback is the only one he will have this weekend, and hopes for a day of positive running on Saturday.
“I felt really good after the practice session this morning and we have definitely got a competitive car this weekend,” said Hamilton. “Unfortunately we lost some track time this afternoon but the guys did a great job to get me back out so I got a few laps at least. We made some changes over lunch and then another during the session and, although I didn’t have a lot of laps, the car feels great.
“Hopefully I’ll be able to have the full session tomorrow and get some good running. Monza is quite an important circuit to put the car at the front, as it’s very difficult to overtake here. It would be great to have a trouble-free qualifying tomorrow afternoon.”
Team-mate Rosberg trailed in third in the first session but was fastest in the second session at Monza, but did not feel at ease with his car throughout the two sessions and knows that he and the team have work to do before free practice three gets underway on Saturday morning to try and improve the car.
“It seems that we are quick on one lap but on the long run the others were very fast,” reflected Rosberg. “I didn’t feel 100 per cent confident in the car, so I can’t be happy with today and I have a lot of work to do tonight with the boys.
“It’s really great to be back on such a traditional track here at Monza with all the history. Now being here with this quick Silver Arrow makes it very special for me. The fans are very enthusiastic as always and also very kind to us. I’m really looking forward to the weekend.”
