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McLaren Mercedes Unveil New MP4-24

The Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 engine FO 108WThe new McLaren MP4-24McLaren MP4-24 steering wheelThe new Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-24 - presentation at the McLaren Technology Centre in WokingThe new Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-24 - presentation at the McLaren Technology Centre in WokingThe new Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-24 - presentation at the McLaren Technology Centre in WokingThe new McLaren MP4-24, front viewThe new Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-24 - presentation at the McLaren Technology Centre in WokingThe new Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-24 - presentation at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking
After Ferrari and Toyota, McLaren Mercedes are the third Formula 1 team to unveil their 2009-spec car, the all-new MP4-24. As expected, the new model features a completely new aerodynamic package, with a narrow rear wing and a wider front wing. The new changes were implemented in order to improve airflow and reduce turbulence, therefore increasing the chances of overtaking.

The new cars features an in-house KERS unit, which team principal Ron Dennis admitted the team has worked very hard on for the past few months.

“Of course it is the same for every team so we can't say the challenges are any less demanding for the competitors. Extensive rule changes require extensive amount of work - these are the biggest rules changes we have seen in 15 years,” added Dennis.

Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug also reckoned that the McLaren mechanics have worked very hard to finalize the new car, especially with the high number of changes for the 2009 season.

“I think it was one of the most challenging winters. We have a frozen engine but the rpm changed to 18,000 and KERS is brand new. This is a lot of work that was put in the right direction. The guys were working very, very hard, flat out, and the amount of work in Brixworth and Stuttgart we have never had before, and the same at Woking - it is a dramatic rule change and a complete new set of rules and I think these guys created a fantastic car. Hopefully we will see the first good results tomorrow,” said Haug.

The team's racing driver for the 2009 season will be reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton and Finland's Heikki Kovalainen. The two were delighted with the new car.

“This is the first time I've seen it fully put together and it looks beautiful. The team manages to always put together a stunning car and it's great to see the final outcome of the work that has gone on,” said Hamilton, backed by Kova's words: “I echo Lewis' thought. It looks great. Whatever the regulation changes are the team have managed to make a beautiful car.”
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