Singapore GP: McLaren is on an upward trajectory

With Ferrari, McLaren-Mercedes is the team in form at the end of this season. Its chances of securing a title are nil and it is with a mindset of enjoyment that the team now engages in each Grand Prix. And it works, Lewis Hamilton has won a race while Heikki Kovalainen has been scoring points since the German race at the beginning of July.

From a technical standpoint, McLaren is playing its last cards this 2009 season since it’s the last time they’re bringing a new package to their MP4/24. After this Grand Prix, all efforts and resources will be focused on the MP4/25. There will then be only one thing left this year: The pleasure of racing without pressure…

Lewis Hamilton – Racing Driver:

The first Singapore Grand Prix last year was a real example of how to host a new Formula 1 race with fantastic facilities and flawless organization. It is a unique and interesting circuit that is not only fun and challenging but also pushes you to your limits. You have to take some risks to get the best out of the car. I remember my race in Singapore last year where I had to limit the damage. I was driving with an eye on the world championship and couldn’t take too many risks. I was happy to finish on the podium. This year, it’s very different; I know I’m out of the title race. I want to attack these last four races hoping for as many victories.

Heikki Kovalainen – Racing Driver:

« I believe we are now at the top with our 2009 car. I have finished in the points in every race since the Nurburgring and we have made some interesting improvements for the Singapore race. Of course, a night race is what makes this event unique, but the lighting system is so fantastic that you tend to forget you are in the night. Singapore is the kind of circuit that should suit our package. There are a lot of slow corners, and we will be able to use KERS to our advantage. Overall, the city is also a fantastic backdrop for what is already one of the best circuits on the calendar. »

Martin Whitmarsh – Director of the McLaren team:

« Our pace in the recent Grand Prix increasingly shows that we have developed the MP4-24 in the right direction and we remain confident for the Singapore Grand Prix. For this race, we are introducing our last major upgrade package of the season before fully dedicating our efforts and resources to next year’s car. In 2008, the race was a fantastic success and a testament to what F1 can achieve in terms of vision, dedication, and foresight. Everyone at McLaren is looking forward to these last four races around the world, the climax of a thrilling season rich in unexpected events for the title battle. Singapore is a fantastic advertisement for Formula 1, reminding us that it is a fantastic sport. »