McLaren's eagerly anticipated MP4-18, the car that the team hopes will clinch the 2003 World Championship, has begun shakedown tests in France. But the team will not race the car in Monte Carlo next weekend, even if it is quick this week and next.
The MP4-18 ran in anger for the first time in the hands of Alex Wurz but team boss Ron Dennis re-iterated the team's unwillingness to rush the new car into action, especially for the Monaco Grand Prix. The race is famed as a car-breaking event that favours reliability over speed.
"There is no logic in bringing a new car to Monaco, no matter how quick it is," said Dennis, "it is very much a driver's circuits and what you need is total reliability."
Despite publicly admitting to a strong desire to race the new machine as soon as possible, contrary to the cautious approach adopted by team managers, David Coulthard echoed Dennis' sentiments: "There is no point being on pole at Monaco in the new car and breaking down on lap 20. We need to prove its speed and reliability first."
The MP4-18 appears radical in design with a narrow front end, Ferrari style sidepods, and a lower and much lighter Mercedes-Benz powerplant. The new engine is rumoured to be the lightest in F1 at a mere 90kg and sits lower in the car than any of its predecessors.
The team's decision to bring forward the planned race date for the MP4-18 to the Canadian GP in June indicates an increased sense of urgency for the Woking team. Originally, the European and British GP's were viewed as the target races for new car but the performance of the new Ferrari and more importantly the performance of the Renault team appears to have prompted a quicker response from McLaren, despite what team members are admitting publicly.
Back to F1 News & Discussion Page
Back to Main Page
Visit
Linksheaven! The Motor Racing Directory
© 2000 motorsportforum@yahoo.co.uk