McLaren to cross finish line at Monza as winners: Martin Whitmarsh
Their spirits are high and optimism is touching the skies as team McLaren heads for the next round of the season at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
Martin Whitmarsh, the CEO of McLaren Racing claims that the team is more than optimistic as they move ahead to Monza on this weekend. He was happy to state that they have great chances of winning as Monza is the kind of track that should suit their MP4-25 very well.
The team had showcased great form and morale right from the start of the season. Its leading driver, Lewis Hamilton, was able to claim the top position after bagging his fifth victory of the season in Belgium, thus clinching the top spot in the Drivers' Championship. The team has moved closer to Red Bull as the difference has shrunk to just a single point in the Constructors' Championship.
Looking at the current statistics, many analysts and sports gurus have predicted that McLaren has ample chances of becoming the best performer at Monza. Clinching the top spot in both the championships is not a difficult task yet Whitmarsh stated that as per theory, the Monza circuit must suit them. However, it is important to remember that this track is a tough one and predicting anything for sure would be difficult.
He further said, "Even though, on paper, the Monza circuit's characteristics appear to suit our package, developing a car that performs well on one of the most unique venues on the Formula 1 calendar is no easy job."
The Monza track is a unique track with very tricky characteristics that are always ready to betray the cars as well as the drivers. It has very low downforce and with its long straights, it’s going to be a high speed contest.
The Mercedes Team Principal further said that McLaren has developed the special bespoke aero package to suit the demands at Monza and getting that downforce level correct is not as straightforward as it seems.
"We require a complex number of mechanical and aerodynamic variables to work harmoniously if we are to provide both Jenson and Lewis with front-running machinery this weekend," he explained.
At present, McLaren is being considered as the team with the best momentum, especially after the victory bagged by Hamilton at Spa. The team’s hopes have risen up to newer heights and expectation from McLaren fans will cause some pressure. Hamilton currently stands three points ahead of Red Bull’s Mark Webber who was previously leading the Drivers' Championship after winning at Hungary just before the summer break.
The last grand prix for this season has also lowered Red Bull’s chances for the reason that Sebastian Vettel had to walk out of the race after his car collided with the McLaren driver. However, this holds equally true for Jenson Button as well who also walked out of the race without any score due to Vettel’s mistake, thus decreasing his chances of winning the title as well.
"Obviously, Lewis's victory at Spa was perfectly timed, and has substantially motivated the entire workforce ahead of these closing races," the team principal said.
"After Jenson's unfortunate failure to finish in Belgium, we are determined to reignite his Championship push next weekend to get him back into the hunt for the Drivers' title.”
He concluded by explaining that the Team McLaren is determined and motivated and he was thankful to every person in the team who has helped their cause. He believes that without the immense contribution of every single member of the team, McLaren would not have been able to make their dream of getting to the top come true.
"We know how to win races and World Championships, and, clearly, we will once again be pushing for victory this weekend," Whitmarsh claimed in the end.
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