Spectators at the Hockenheim-Ring (Germany) were treated to an action-packed race this afternoon as teams battled it out at the German Grand Prix. After an aborted first start, Jaguar Racing drivers Mark Webber and Christian Klien - starting from 11th and 12th respectively - both got clean away from the grid and round the first lap without incident. The next 66 laps were an exciting battle with Mark fighting with the BAR of Sato and making a fantastic overtaking move on the Renault of Jarno Trulli on lap 26. Christian saw off competition from Jarno Trulli as well and after a three-stop race both cars saw the chequered flag with Mark coming home in a rewarding 6th position for three Championship points and Christian in 10th. The team will now make the most of the three-week break and despite the testing ban will be focusing on off-track tests and development back at the factory in Milton Keynes (UK).
Mark Webber: Well that was a pretty amazing finish that I was not quite expecting! I started from 11th and managed a good start and entry into corner one. The first lap was the start of my move up the grid, as by the end of it I was up to 6th. I continued to battle it out with the best of them and the car was feeling really good. The balance was great for the majority of the race although going into the last sector I made a slight change to the front wing to counter-act some oversteer. It worked and I really enjoyed the entire race. I had some good battles with the guys out there and to finish sixth is great for the team. The boys have had quite a difficult weekend working on the car and producing the ideal set-up. The track has been changing quite a lot but we appeared to have come out the other side pretty well. I will be trying to relax a little over the next three weeks so come Hungary I will be chasing for some more points.
Christian Klien: It's been a good day for me today as I have really enjoyed racing the car and again to see the chequered flag is positive. I started from 12th and made a dash for the first corner. The team had prepared the car really well and it was feeling good. The balance has really been helped by our new aero-package and I could feel the difference going around today. My strategy seemed to work well and it allowed me to partake in some good on-track fighting for position. Near the end of the race, I had the Renault of Jarno Trulli on my tail and I was racing to keep him at bay. I am pleased to have finished the race and although a point would have been just reward for all the work that the team has undertaken I am encouraged by Mark's performance and the three points. I have learnt more again this weekend and I am excited about the next race in Hungary.
Dr Mark Gillan Head of Vehicle Performance: It's been quite a tough weekend for us here in Hockenheim. The heavy rain did not help as it made the track green overnight on Friday. However, I was pleased going into Qualifying and then into the race. Our strategy was to get ourselves into the best possible position as fast as possible and we could not have asked for more when Mark went 6th by the end of the first lap. Our pitstops were excellent and Mark's race had been pretty near perfect by the time he crossed the line in 6th. Christian did a good job out there and he finished without being lapped or having any mistakes. He continues to progress and I am pleased with his performance out there today. To come away with three points is fantastic, I am really pleased. It's a welcome boost to the team and it confirms that fact that we can race and score points on our own merit.
