De la Rosa surprised by the pace of the MP4/24

McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa is surprised by the performance of the MP4/24, the 2009 single-seater, compared to the car used last year.

The Spaniard drove the new McLaren at the Algarve circuit in recent days. He notes that despite the loss of grip in corners due to the reduction in downforce, the slick tires compensate for it all.

« I am surprised to see so few differences with the presence of slick tires and the aerodynamic package. The car has more grip at low speed. We will certainly save time but lose a bit in high-speed corners. I think the lap times will be similar, » he predicts.

« The car has a little more grip at the front and is very responsive to directional changes. »

De la Rosa believes that the introduction of slick tires is the most important change in 2009. The way they are managed by the drivers could be one of the major challenges of the season.

« The tires are the most important part because they are the ones that touch the asphalt, » noted de la Rosa. « The KERS and the front wing account for only a few tenths while these new slick tires are the most important. »

« We don’t know how they will behave in Australia because we are currently testing until March 29 in winter conditions. We don’t know exactly how they will react with high temperatures, their degradation, or the presence of graining. That’s the critical side. »