Motor Racing-Hamilton Fastest In First French GP Practice

Motor Racing-Hamilton Fastest In First French GP Practice

LE CASTELLET, France, June 21 (Reuters) - Formula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton set the pace in a Mercedes one-two in first free practice for the French Grand Prix on Friday with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc the best of the rest. Hamilton, who arrived at the circuit late on Thursday after attending a memorial for fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld in Paris, lapped the Le Castellet circuit in one minute 32.738 seconds. Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas was second, a mere 0.069 slower, with Leclerc 0.373 off Hamilton's time on a sunny and largely uneventful morning at the southern circuit. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, who was on pole position in Canada two weeks ago but finished second in the race after a five second time penalty that handed the win to Hamilton, was more than a second slower than the Briton. Ferrari said they were assessing new parts during the session. The Italian team have asked for a review of the Montreal decision, with the stewards meeting Ferrari's sporting director Laurent Mekies between the two practice sessions. Red Bull's Max Verstappen was fourth on the timesheets, 0.880 slower than Hamilton, with his car benefiting from a Honda engine upgrade. French driver Romain Grosjean missed much of the session, completing just nine laps, after a water leak to his Haas. Mercedes are favourites to chalk up their 10th win in a row this weekend, and eighth of the season, at a track where Hamilton won from pole last year when the French Grand Prix returned after a decade's absence. Five-times world champion Hamilton leads Bottas by 29 points in the standings.

It is based on the 2000-2004/5 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, thogh it rides on an 8-inch shorter wheelbase. It is offered as four models: the V8-powered CL500, the supercharged V8-powered CL55 AMG, the V12-powered CL600 and the rare bi-turbo V12-powered CL65 AMG. The limited-edition V12-powered CL63 AMG was sold in 2001 only. All models seat four. The CL-class has a lengthy list of available features. The following features come standard: climate control, all-leather interior, wood trim, trip computer, CD, navigation system, front heated and cooled seats, power moonroof. Optional features include a heated steering wheel and voice-activated telephone. Exclusive 鈥渄esigno鈥?packages are also available. These packages add custom color metallic paint, custom color Nappa leather interior and exotic burl walnut trim. They are available in three variants: designo Cashmere, designo Espresso and designo Silver. As with all major German manufacturers (except Porsche) Mercedes limit their cars to 250 km/h (155 mph). The justification for having two models with the same power (CL600 and CL55 AMG) is that the CL55 AMG is sportier and more responsive, while the CL600 is more luxurious with a smoother ride. The CL65 AMG is made to order in very small numbers, and is the most powerful CL to date. The CL63 AMG is the rarest CL of all. It was produced only in November 2001, and just 26 examples were ever built for sale. The V12-powered CL63 AMG was only sold in Europe and Asia. From 1999 through 2002, the V12-equipped cars feature a cylinder deactivation system called Active Cylinder Control. The feature was dropped when the 493hp biturbo V-12 was introduced.

My definition for the above subject is a comfort, fun to drive, enough engine power, automatic transmission, strong brand image and 鈥渓ow maintenance鈥?secondhand car which can buy in Indonesia with price less than Rp. Audi A4, V6, 2.6 Tiptronic. Production year 1999-2001. Price range Rp. 70M - 100M. Even though the exterior is look average medium class sedan, however the interior and engine capability are superb for its price. BMW 523/528 E39, Tiptronic, 170 hp (523), 193 hp (528), 1996 - 1998. Price range Rp. 75M - 105M. BMW E39 is the one of BMW鈥檚 most successful car. The Inline 6 engine running smoothly and strong enough to haul its 1568 kg body. Interior is tidy and luxurious. Driving position and car respond is very good. Mazda Cronos 2.0 and 2.5, 1998 - 2000. Price range Rp. 40M - 70M. Nothing wrong with this car. Only because of poor image of Mazda brand in Indonesia.

Both car (especially the 2.5 ltr with 200 hp engine) is fun and comfort to drive. The interior quality and facilities are good. Mercedes C180/C200 AT, 120 hp (C180) - 134 hp (C200), 1995 - 1997, Price range Rp. 75M - 105M. Every body knows about Merc quality and comfortable, bullet proof engine, low maintenance, and easy spare parts. Some people complain for C180 performance, but its enough for normal city driving. Elegance trim is the good choice. Toyota Crown Royal Saloon 3.0 AT, 1996 - 2000. Price range Rp. 65 - 100M. This one is Japanese Mercedes. Very comfort and have a lot of facilities. Huge passenger and baggage space. The 3.0 powerful engine produce 220hp. Cooling box, climate control are standard. Volvo 850, S/V 70, 2.5 AT, 170 hp. 1995 - 2000. Price range Rp. 50M - 100M. Volvo 850 it鈥檚 a mid size luxury car, equipped wit almost all facilities that you need, including a high class sound system and luxurious leather sit. The inline 5 cylinders engine is very reliable, low maintenance and powerful. Driving position and steering respond is excellent. Volvo S40, 2.0 T, AT, 167 hp. 2000 - 2002. Price range Rp. 90M - 110M. This medium size car is comfort to drive with volvo鈥檚 safety quality. The 2.0 engine with low compression turbo is responsive and fast. The interior is not very impressive, lack of cup holder. An additional front strut brace will improve the body rigidity.