McLaren aims at front row in 2012 Malaysian Grand Prix – Formula 1 news
McLaren team principal, Martin Whitmarsh has expressed a warning for the contenders that they will be aiming at another front row in the Grand Prix at Malaysia after the victory in the season opener.
McLaren had the most successful pre-season testing programme this year and had been considered one of the main rivals of the defending champions, Red Bull Racing.
During the qualifying on Saturday, Lewis Hamilton secured the pole position for the first race and remained ahead of his teammate, Jenson Button.
However, the victory at the first GP was claimed by Button while the 2008 world champion, Hamilton finished at third position after following Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull.
After the first race, the team principal of Red Bull, Christian Horner said that McLaren won because Red Bull underperformed. Moreover, he said that they could have been quicker during the race.
Furthermore, Whitmarsh also said that they too had some pace left to show while he said that they were contended with the one-three finish.
“Unquestionable we could have gone a little bit quicker. But we had a quick car here, we should have got a 1-2 and didn't but we're not too displeased. We'll see if we can do it again and take the front row in Malaysia,” he said.
In addition, Whitmarsh said that Hamilton would make a strong comeback in Malaysia.
“Lewis isn't going to be happy after Australia and when he starts getting happy with being third, or beaten by his team-mate, then he won't be the Lewis we all love and admire,” he said.
Besides, he said that Hamilton did not lose the position to the other rivals while he said that the British driver was not as strong as Button during the race.
After the disappointment in the first race, Hamilton would be targeting to be faster in the second race at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.
Additionally, Hamilton said that he had faced some unfortunate conditions during the race which caused him to end at third place. However, he said that championships are won on the basis of consistency in scoring the points which was his focus for the season
ahead.
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