Launch – McLaren launches the MP4/24 in Germany
McLaren launched its new single-seater today. The Woking team is the third to officially present its 2009 model. The unveiling took place at the team’s center in Germany this morning: The MP4/24 was born on January 16, 2009. See the photos of the MP4/24 The team launched its new Formula 1 car in the presence […]
McLaren launched its new single-seater today. The Woking team is the third to officially present its 2009 model. The unveiling took place at the team’s center in Germany this morning: The MP4/24 was born on January 16, 2009.
The team launched its new Formula 1 car in the presence of all its drivers. Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen are of course the official drivers and logically removed the sheet that was protecting the silver arrow from photographers.
Pedro De la Rosa and Gary Paffett remain the test and reserve drivers. They were accompanied on the Woking stage by their new director, Martin Whitmarsh. Ron Dennis was also there, as if passing the baton to his junior, with the presence of the technical director, Norbert Haug.
From a technical standpoint, the new McLaren adheres to its design characteristics from previous years. The shapes are very fluid and seem streamlined for peak speeds.
The cockpit seems to have been particularly studied thanks to the louvers above the pilot’s helmet. The pontoons are also very narrow, and the engine ventilation is done through openings even smaller than on the Ferrari F60.
These innovative measures will not be excessive. McLaren’s goal is to do better than in 2008, according to Ron Dennis.
« We want to win both championships, drivers and constructors, and prove that we once again have the characteristics to win races: race intelligence and the ability to handle the unexpected. »
