McLaren plan minor updates ahead of Turkish Grand Prix – Formula 1 news
McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh has claimed that his team will bring some minor upgrades for the Turkish Grand Prix which is scheduled for Sunday, May 8, 2011.
The British outfit was able to win the Chinese Grand Prix after driver Lewis Hamilton managed to overtake Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel in the final few minutes of the race.
Whitmarsh said, “We're under no illusions that we need to improve our qualifying and race pace if we are to remain a threat at the front. Additionally, many teams will be readying significant upgrade packages for the Turkish Grand Prix; nobody can afford
to sit still.”
He further added, “Our pace of development is what can win us this championship, and we go into Turkey determined to ensure our upgrades deliver practical gains and are able to confer a useful margin to both drivers.”
Although the Vodafone-sponsored team managed to win the last race, Whitmarsh predicted most teams to bring upgrades in the next race. He said that McLaren would require a lot of hard work in order to continue its winning ways. The team plans some aerodynamic
modifications to the bodywork of the car before heading to Turkey.
There are some good memories for McLaren from 2010 Turkish GP. Both of their drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button finished the race one-two respectively and will be looking for a similar performance this year. However, they will be given a tough time
by Red Bull drivers Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel.
The reigning constructors’ champions have been unmatched in the qualifiers as Vettel has claimed three pole positions from the same number of races so far. The youngest Formula 1 champion has also been impressive during the race days, winning the opening
two races of the season and finishing second in the third.
Mercedes GP also expressed a lot of speed in the previous race and will be eying to challenge the front-runners in Turkey. The German giants have planned some key upgrades for the next race including a new rear wing.
There is a question mark over the performance of Ferrari though, as the scarlet car has been below par in the season so far.
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