Kevin Magnussen is pleased with the progress McLaren have been making as the 21-year old qualified a fantastic fourth place whilst more experienced teammate Jenson Button could only manage eleventh on the grid.
McLaren came into Hockenheim with various upgrades including a new rear wing which has improved the downforce of the MP4-29. In addition, McLaren decided to shorten its gear ratio’s – which the FIA allow each team to do on one occasion during the season. Magnussen has praised the team and they deserve the credit for this great result.
“This has been a good day for me. I think we got everything out of the car in terms of set-up, and our strategy throughout qualifying was perfect. Thanks to all the guys in the garage – they did a fantastic job. It was a great achievement to be able to hold off the Red Bulls, and I feel that we’re not too far away from some of the really strong guys. There’s no secret to our improvement: a lot of hard work has made the difference.
Despite a strong qualifying he expects the race to prove tricky as rain and cooler conditions are on the weather forecast.
“Tomorrow could be a different story. The weather forecast says it’ll be cooler, and that there may be rain. We might struggle more in the race than we have today, but fourth place isn’t a bad position from which to start.”
Racing director Eric Bouiller has praised Magnussen for his performance and ability to adapt to the new upgrade package.
“Kevin has driven brilliantly all weekend – and his was a particularly superb performance this afternoon. He’s really adapted well to the upgrade package that we brought to the track this weekend, and he’s grown in confidence and speed in each and every session.
