Do not write McLaren off: Martin Whitmarsh
McLaren team Principal Martin Whitmarsh said that it would be unwise for anyone to write either Jenson Button or Lewis Hamilton off from the 2010 drivers’ championship with three races still remaining in the season.
Hamilton currently trails the championship leader Mark Webber by 28 points while Jenson Button is 3 points further behind him. However, Whitmarsh said that his drivers are well experienced and they are aware of what it takes to become a champion. Both Jenson
and Lewis have won the title. Jenson is currently the reigning world champion while Lewis won the championship in 2008. Martin believes in his drivers and thinks that they have the ability to stand against everything.
“With three races remaining, and 75 points on the table for the drivers, it would be unwise to write off Jenson, Lewis or Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. Both of the drivers have won world championships before - they understand the difficulties of such a unique
situation, and both have learned how to deliver their best under high pressure,” said Whitmarsh.
Whitmarsh thinks that this is a battle and it is a battle that requires consistency. Without it, the championship would be impossible for any of the top 3 teams. Mark Webber is currently leading the championship and comparatively, he is in the most comfortable
situation.
“While we will continue with our aggressive development strategy, bringing further new components to this race, we're mindful of the need to bag points at every race. Nonetheless, we are committed to winning, and won't give up without a fight,” he added.
It has been feared that Lewis Hamilton may have to face another five-place grid penalty at the Korean Grand prix after his gearbox issue at Suzuka but Whitmarsh thinks this will definitely not happen again.
It was feared that Hamilton may have faced another five-place grid penalty at Korea after his gearbox issue at Suzuka but Whitmarsh says this will definitely not happen.
“Finally, to clarify, following his gearbox issue in Suzuka, Lewis will not face a second successive five-place grid penalty this weekend. The gearbox regulations were framed to ensure teams weren't penalised twice for the same gearbox issue,” said the team
principal.
Therefore, the team is quite confident that Lewis will not have to go through any technical problems in the coming week. However, it will not make things easier for McLaren and Whitmarsh will have to step it up if he wants his team on the top.
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