The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula One team has been working on their
latest creation since September 2007. Now it has been revealed it to the
world at the Formula 1 team's headquarters in Woking, England.
 |
|
Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen with the new McLaren Mercedes MP4-24. Photo by xpb.cc.
|
 |
Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton and teammate Heikki Kovalainen
had the honor of uncovering Vodafone McLaren Mercedes new baby for the
2009 F1 season. The new car, called the MP4-24 takes up the mantle from
its highly successful predecessor the MP4-23 and the aims are clear, to
win the drivers and constructors titles.
"The arrival of a new car is always an emotional moment for any racing
driver - and the unveiling of MP4-24 is even more special for me,
not only because the car looks absolutely stunning but also because
it carries the world champion's number one," Hamilton smiled at the
unveiling.
McLaren Group Chairman & CEO Ron Dennis commented, "Last year was
immensely satisfying for everybody at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, but our
intense focus ahead of '09 gave us little time for celebration.
"The regulatory changes have only increased our ambition to remain at
the competitive vanguard and, for this year, our target is clear: to win
both world championships if possible. Lofty aims, I grant you, but we
exist to win."
The McLaren is a striking car and looks to contain more of the
developments we can expect to see on the full race car, although Chief
Engineer of the MP4-24, Pat Fry, indicated that there is much still to
be added. "We are still bringing so much performance to the car, and the
fact that the car you see before you today will bear little resemblance
to the one that races in Melbourne," he said.
The car at the launch is actually the second chassis produced by the
team, the first is already at the testing track in Portugal ready for
the attention of test driver Pedro de la Rosa, demonstrating at least,
the early beginnings of the project which has given McLaren a positive
start.
The car itself carries a more complex front wing with a two-section flap
on the side. The narrow drooping nose cone sports winglets on the sides
but no vanes on its underside in the wheel area but it has a large
floor level scoop extruding from under the cockpit area. The side pods
are a divergence from the designs seen to date with McLaren opting for
a straighter profile compared to the heavily undercut designs from
Ferrari and Toyota.
|
 |
|
The new McLaren Mercedes MP4-24. Photo by McLaren.
|
The side pods are also positioned further forward as compared to the
Ferrari design, more like the Toyota. This will give the MP4-24 more
space to accommodate cooling radiators and the KERS battery system,
although the floor still extends forwards of the side pods and to the
rear of the car back to the wheels. The air scoop for the engine on the
upper bodywork features a similar undercut design to the 2008 car and
the small narrow rear wing contains similar slotted end plates.
Beauty is said to be in the eye of the beholder, and Hamilton is clearly
quite taken with his new steed, commenting at the launch he stated,
"Well, obviously, I haven't driven it yet. But there's an old saying in
motor racing that says a beautiful car often turns out to be a quick
car. And all I can say is that I hope that's right, because I reckon the
MP4-24 looks simply sensational. Really beautiful, in fact."
In recent years the cars had been sprouting all sorts of horns, wings
and slits on every available surface and the cars as seen in launch
trim under the new regulations do look less cluttered, at least at this
stage.
The engine development freeze means that the McLaren keeps the same
powerplant that served them so well last year in terms of performance
and reliability, with just the maximum engine revs reduced from 19000rpm
to 18000rpm. The KERS in the McLaren already has two years' development
behind it and now the team can concentrate on optimizing its integration
into the chassis, all positive stuff for the Woking outfit.
Martin Whitmarsh, who will be stepping up to take over the team
principal role just before the start of the racing season, was pleased
with the efforts by everyone at the state of the art technical centre.
"The new regulations for 2009 are the biggest changes to Formula 1 for
many, many years and are expected to significantly affect every team's
competitive parameters," he said.
 |
|
Lewis Hamilton. Photo by McLaren.
|
|
"As such, this year's world championship could well be won through
strength in depth, resourcefulness and sheer ingenuity. And the reality
is that we feel very well-equipped to fight in every single one of those
areas."
Kovalainen was just as excited about the unveiling today as his teammate.
The Finn commented: "I'm fortunate enough to have watched behind the
scenes as this year's car has taken shape and I've been amazed at just
how hard everybody in Woking. Brixworth and Stuttgart has worked.
Over the winter, I also feel like I've had the opportunity to prepare
fully for the year ahead: I've been busy training and working with my
engineers to ensure we start the season as strongly as possible. With
so many new rules, adapting quickly will be essential and I feel more
prepared than ever for the new season."
The McLaren MP4-24 has had a well resourced and lengthy development
process, from a team who have a proven track record They are aiming for
both titles this year and with a further years experience gained by both
drivers they may just do it.
