McLaren’s Martin Whitmarsh says small number of modifications for Turkish race – Formula 1 Update
Formula 1, McLaren team Principal Martin Whitmarsh, has discussed the Turkish Grand Prix with the media and has said that the team decided to bring small upgrades in their new car, during the up-coming race of 2011 season, for more points.
He also mentioned that after the Chinese Grand Prix, they are looking forward to fighting for this year’s title.
Whitmarsh also mentioned that all Formula 1 teams are ready to bring significant upgrades in their package, because nobody can sit still when time is going to be tough on the grid.
McLaren admitted that they are moving on the grid, under no illusion that they need to improve in their practice session and qualifying round. The reason for the upgrades in their car for the Turkish race is only to retain the gap with the Red Bull Racing
team. The team is still a very strong squad in Formula 1 and has the potential to beat any of the top teams on the track.
Martin said, "Winning in China was a fantastic reward for all the hard effort that's been undertaken both at the racetrack and the McLaren Technology Centre to turn MP4-26 into a race winner. We're excited and encouraged by the pace and consistency that
both drivers have shown in the opening three flyaway races, but the return to Europe brings fresh challenges.”
The Woking-based outfit will be evaluating small upgrades in their car, during the Friday practice session of the up-coming race of the season. These upgrades included some aerodynamic refinements to the bodywork of the MP4-26 machine.
The team driver Lewis Hamilton had surprised the viewers, by making his top podium run in the Chinese GP. He managed to complete his excellent run ahead of both the Australia and Malaysia race winner Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel. Despite Hamilton’s run at
the Shanghai circuit, all team members observations is that Red Bull still has the fastest car on F1 grid and McLaren is trying to close the gap with its current competitor.
After the success in Chinese Grand Prix, Whitmarsh agreed with the fact that the development race is always going to be crucial throughout the season.
He went on to add, “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.”
Whitmarsh further commented that McLaren’s one-two finish during the 2010 Turkish GP was one of their most interesting races. Those races made a positive mark in their minds and of that result will be probably encourage the whole team in the up-coming race
weekend.
All Formula 1 teams have travelled to Istanbul for the season’s fourth race. It will be interesting to see the competition between McLaren and Red Bull in the Turkish GP, taking place on May 8.
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