GP Spain: McLaren Plays the Continuity Card
McLaren-Mercedes has adopted a different strategy from other teams since the start of the season, which seems to be working at this stage of the year. While most of the F1 grid will present new aerodynamic and technical packages on their cars, the team from Woking introduces new parts race after race. The result speaks […]
McLaren-Mercedes has adopted a different strategy from other teams since the start of the season, which seems to be working at this stage of the year. While most of the F1 grid will present new aerodynamic and technical packages on their cars, the team from Woking introduces new parts race after race.
The result speaks for itself as McLaren is the fourth force in the championship, ahead of Renault or Ferrari. Both drivers Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen are off to a good start for this Spanish race, especially since the FIA’s verdict pleases them. Their team is not banned from the race in the lying affair, so everything is on track!
Lewis Hamilton – Race Car Driver
The schedule for the first four races was very tough for everyone. Returning to Europe almost feels like a fresh start. After such a performance in Bahrain, we are aware that the characteristics of the Barcelona circuit will suit our car.
We will not have a significant upgrade unlike other teams because we have already done it since China. It will be interesting to see where we stand in the hierarchy. The engineers are optimistic that our new parts, diffuser, and front wing will help us make progress.
Heikki Kovalainen – Racing Driver
« My accident last year doesn’t change the way I see this track, I really enjoy it. I finished fifth here in 2007 and I love its fast corners where you have to stay flat out to get the most out of the car. »
« It is also a circuit where you need to find the perfect balance in order to optimize tire management. Our pre-season tests in Barcelona were not very encouraging. We are heading into this new race weekend with realistic expectations. »
Martin Whitmarsh – Team Principal:
« Our decision was to introduce new parts at each race, rather than concentrating all our developments on a single update. The result is that we have scored some points since the start of the season. »
« Our competitors should introduce a few more improvements in Barcelona, we must once again expect a close fight to score points. And even if this layout with a high level of downforce shows some deficiencies of the MP4-24, everyone within the team remains confident and motivated. »
