GERMAN GRAND PRIX
Venue: Nurburgring ** Dates:** 10-12 July 2009 Coverage: Live coverage of Friday’s practice sessions, Saturday qualifying and Sunday’s race - which starts at 1300 BST - across BBC TV, radio and online platforms.Find full listings here
By Russell Barder
**Lewis Hamilton’s upgraded McLaren continued to top the timesheets in Saturday’s German Grand Prix practice at the Nurburgring.**Running with a new aerodynamic package the Briton was quickest on Friday and he maintained his good form as he clocked one minute 31.121 seconds.
The Renault of Fernando Alonso was second and Ferrai’s Felipe Massa third.
Championship leader Jenson Button was down in 11th as the drivers struggled for grip in the cold conditions.
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“Even after such a bad start to the season, Lewis and McLaren are going to fight all the way for points.”
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The Red Bull’s of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber were fourth and fifth respectively, while Kimi Raikkonen made up the top six in his Ferrari.
Hamilton’s performance was just reward for his McLaren team who have worked tirelessly to get a new floor, new top bodywork and front wing onto the world champion’s car.
However, it is difficult to know what difference the changes have made until after Saturday’s qualifying session when the fuel loads are known.
The 24-year-old’s team-mate Heikki Kovalainen, who is running without the new package, was only 19th fastest - over one and half seconds behind Hamilton.
Ferrari have also come to Germany having made a few aerodynamic tweaks and they too appeared to pay dividends with both drivers in the top six.
But it was a different story for leading constructor Brawn GP as Button complained of being unable to get any heat into his front tyres.
The Briton’s team-mate, Rubens Barrichello, also struggled as he finished down in 14th.