After their failed attempt with the forward exhaust system early in testing, McLaren have decided to switch to a more regular design for the last group test of the off-season, in Barcelona. Apparently, that was only the first stage of a complete switch to a Red Bull-like exhaust, which directs gases very close towards the rear tires.
“I decided that we should focus for the start of the season on a solution that will definitely work,” announced an optimistic McLaren Mercedes' team principal Martin Whitmarsh prior to this weekend's race in Melbourne. “We are blowing the exhaust gases as closely as possible to the rear tires.”
The new exhaust is part of a bigger package prepared by the Grove-based team for the season opening race, and is aimed at turning McLaren into a podium and maybe even a race contender on Sunday. Given their poor reliability and performance in winter testing, not many believe McLaren will have a say in this weekend's race. However, world champion Jenson Button looks more optimistic as compared to a couple of weeks ago regarding the MP4-26's potential at Albert Park.
“I like McLaren's aggressive development,” he said in a press conference on Thursday, while admitting that “But Red Bull and Ferrari will be faster than us here. If we can score a few points that would be a good start for us after all the difficulties of testing.”
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