Martin Whitmarsh: McLaren expect a surprise in Melbourne – Formula 1 update
Formula 1 McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh has admitted that his team still has the capacity to work hard into the season opening race in the new MP4-26 car.
He also mentioned that he expected a more reliable upcoming season despite of its bad winter testing.
As McLaren did not make an impressive run over the test sessions, it is not conceded favourite to win in the Australian Grand Prix as a result.
Whitmarsh told the media, “It's called testing for a reason - and testing MP4-26 beyond its limit has, in some ways, been highly instructive. In actual fact, we've gathered a huge amount of useful data about the car, its handling characteristics and its
management of the tyres. So while we've further fine-tuned the package for Melbourne, we've once again set ourselves some extremely tough targets for this opening race weekend.”
He further added, he expected a surprise from McLaren, for a few people in Melbourne and they will try to be competitive.
The team driver Lewis Hamilton accepted that he is able to raise his performance for the upcoming race. He said that it is a fact the testing was quite difficult and that is why he did not set the pace of their fastest car. Hamilton still has good feelings
with the 2011 McLaren’s car and he would like to drive it properly in Australia.
He added, “Nevertheless, we know we go to Melbourne ready for battle: some teams are extremely well prepared – both from a pace and reliability point of view – but that can sometimes count for little in the unpredictable and somewhat chaotic opening races
where it's equally vital just to take points home.”
Hamilton is very excited as the season is going to start in a few days. He said he really worked hard over the test sessions and the team will show a surprising performance in Australia.
On the other hand, Hamilton teammate Jenson Button, who was the winner for the past two years in Australia, admitted that he is not looking forward to his next victory.
Both drivers are aiming for a surprise in Melbourne. Let’s see how they fare.
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