David Coulthard, Christian Klien and Tonio Liuzzi clocked up 89 laps between them in todayďż˝s two practice sessions. During the first practice, Tonio spun his RB1 into the gravel at Turn 12 and damaged a front left push rod. In the afternoon, Christianďż˝s session was cut short when he turned too sharply at the first chicane (Turn 6 and 7), clipped the inside kerb and spun into the tyre barrier, damaging his carďż˝s floor and suspension.

Throughout the day, the air temperature ranged between 20ďż˝C and 24ďż˝C, while track temperature rose from 30ďż˝C in the morning to 37ďż˝C in the afternoon.

David Coulthard (Car 14):
Chassis Number: 3
First Practice Position: 12; Best Time: 1:17.168; Laps: 7
Second Practice Position: 10; Best Time: 1:16.371; Laps: 26

ďż˝A pretty normal Friday really. Weďż˝ve been evaluating the tyres the best we can and the balance of the car isnďż˝t so bad. Obviously, weďż˝ll have to see where we can make changes to get closer to the pace, but the balance doesnďż˝t feel too far away now and, ultimately, thatďż˝s a good sign. If thatďż˝s right, everything fits into place. Weďż˝ll just have to wait and see how our pace is relative to the competition tomorrow.ďż˝

Christian Klien (Car 15):
Chassis Number: 1
First Practice Position: 13; Best Time: 1:17.343; Laps: 10
Second Practice Position: 22; Best Time: 1:18.897; Laps: 5

ďż˝In the first session, I completed ten laps to get a feel for the track and see how the balance of the car was. It felt much better than it did ahead of the last two races ďż˝ a lot more stable at the rear and easier to drive. I think that, definitely, the car is more competitive here than at previous races. In the second session, I was quite quick through the first timed section, the car had good balance and grip. But, I turned in at the chicane a bit too early, hit the kerb, lost the rear and went off.ďż˝

Tonio Liuzzi (Test Driver):
Chassis Number: 2
First Practice Position: 18; Best Time: 1:18.876; Laps: 16
Second Practice Position: 15; Best Time: 1:16.987; Laps: 25

ďż˝In the first session I had a spin and went into the gravel, which caused some stone damage, so we had to stop. I waited while the team changed some parts before completing the practice. In the morning we did quite a few runs, which was important for us to look at the performance of the tyres, but I felt that the car was better in the second session.ďż˝

Christian Horner, Sporting Director: ďż˝Unfortunately Christian made a mistake at the high-speed chicane (Turn 6 & 7) and had quite a heavy impact, which damaged some of the new aerodynamic update that has gone onto the cars this weekend. Christianďż˝s car will be repaired overnight and heďż˝ll be ready to go first thing in the morning. Generally our performance looks quite good, Davidďż˝s times were very respectable, Tonio worked well through the tyre programme and I think weďż˝re looking in reasonable shape.ďż˝

2005 French Grand Prix - Main Page
2005 French Grand Prix - Team and Driver Friday Practice Reports Page

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