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[spankyham]

McLaren: Late launch is right decision

By Jonathan Noble Thursday, January 13th 2011, 11:09 GMT

Martin WhitmarshMcLaren insists that its decision to not take its new car to the first test of the season gives it the best chance possible to win the world championship this year.

As AUTOSPORT exclusively revealed last week, the Woking-based outfit will be the only frontrunner that will not take its definite 2011 machine to the first test in Valencia.

Instead, the team will take an interim version of last year's MP4-25 - fitted with updated 2011 parts – for that first run before the launch of the new car in Berlin on February 4.

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh says that the decision to skip the first test with the new car is not because his outfit's plans are late – but instead is tactical.

"The MP4-26 is on schedule and will be launched on February 4, after which it will go through the normal testing processes," Whitmarsh told the official Formula 1 website.

"We feel that timetable is optimal with regard to providing Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton with the best possible package for the first race in Bahrain."

One of the benefits of missing the first test will be that rival teams will not have a chance to see close up McLaren's interpretations of the new F1 regulations until the second test in Jerez – which will give them less chance to copy any unique concepts that may feature on the car.

And a year after bringing the F-duct into F1, Whitmarsh has hinted about further innovation on its MP4-26.

"There are new regulations for 2011 - and the MP4-26 will not only adhere to them but it will also sport a few fresh design features in response to the opportunities presented by those new regulations," said Whitmarsh. "So, yes, there will be some new elements, but as you can imagine I'm not prepared to add more detail at the moment."

He added: "Our mission is to win, and winning five Grands Prix and coming second in the Constructors' Championship doesn't constitute enough of a win for us. It goes without saying that this year we aim to do better.

"As ever, it's impossible to make firm predictions, but we think we're on course to be competitive. Having said that, we never underestimate our opposition and we're sure they're working every bit as hard as we are."

[scotty]

I await to see the impact of this delayed launch compared to those who are getting their cars to the first test and extra getting mileage with the 2011 cars on the new tyres. I can see the logic in using an old car for providing a stable baseline, but what if the new car has inherently different characteristics? They'll have less time to fix any issues and be slightly on the back foot. It could just as easily work the other way round, of course - other teams may find unforeseen issues with the Pirellis and will face an extremely difficult task in trying to figure out how to get the tyres to work well alongside finding ways to improve the car itself. Personally i can't help but think that with something as 'unpredictable' as the tyres and given the lack of outright testing, experience using them in a relevant environment is going to give an advantage.

[Stealthgate007]

I think this is one of those things where we just have to wait and see.. As mentioned Red Bull spent more time developing and delayed their Launch, and look where it got them.. But they also have Adrien.

It will go right or horribly wrong for Macca, like 2009...

I remember when I thought they were sand-bagging in 2009 testing.. Horrible..

[racechick]

McLaren have secret things they dont want anyone to see too early. They have an advanced tyre simulator and that should give them an advantage on gathering tyre data. At the test they'll use an interim car adapted to behave like the MP4-26 and do long runs to evaluate tyre degredation. Then when they get the new car they can concentrate on tweaking for performance.
Sounds a good plan...if it works.

[darwin dali]

McLaren have secret things they dont want anyone to see too early. They have an advanced tyre simulator and that should give them an advantage on gathering tyre data. At the test they'll use an interim car adapted to behave like the MP4-26 and do long runs to evaluate tyre degredation. Then when they get the new car they can concentrate on tweaking for performance.
Sounds a good plan...if it works.

Could be a big IF

[racechick]

McLaren have secret things they dont want anyone to see too early. They have an advanced tyre simulator and that should give them an advantage on gathering tyre data. At the test they'll use an interim car adapted to behave like the MP4-26 and do long runs to evaluate tyre degredation. Then when they get the new car they can concentrate on tweaking for performance.
Sounds a good plan...if it works.

Could be a big IF

Could be no if at all

[darwin dali]

McLaren have secret things they dont want anyone to see too early. They have an advanced tyre simulator and that should give them an advantage on gathering tyre data. At the test they'll use an interim car adapted to behave like the MP4-26 and do long runs to evaluate tyre degredation. Then when they get the new car they can concentrate on tweaking for performance.
Sounds a good plan...if it works.

Could be a big IF

Could be no if at all

Comme on dit en français: on verra

[bud]

I think it's a good idea, The compound of tyre pirelli are bringing will be different to the test last year. This way McLaren can get a reading on the tyres on a chassis they know and can compare the data to the bridgestones.

[spankyham]

Every team knows that a very large part of testing time must be dedicated to tyres. So why not dedicate most of the first round of testing to doing just that. And, you don't need the exact chassis to learn how the tyres will work for you.

This strategy worked for RBR last year, and it makes more sense if you have some new goodies you don't want the other teams to see/copy until as late as practical.

[Stealthgate007]

Paddy Lowe is not Adrian Newey...

Granted it could be the correct call by Macca. If so then next year every one will be doing it, and then guess what..

They will reduce the testing from 4 to 3 sessions....

Please get it right Macca.

[racechick]

Remember the MP4/4? Wasnt ready till the final day of testing and won 15 out of 16 races

[spankyham]

Remember the MP4/4? Wasnt ready till the final day of testing and won 15 out of 16 races

Oh yeah, I didn't mind getting beaten by such a good team that year - it was a pleasure to watch Macca's that year

I think getting rid of the crappy donk they had and replacing it with the Honda might just have had a bit to do with their success.

This was also the year when the WDC didn't score the most points in the season

[Robert12010]

Im confident that mclaren have got it right, and to be honest whatever happens i stand by you through thick and thin come on boys and girls!

[Jabberwocky]

I think turning up to the 1st test with an old and new car would be best! it is a win win situation, and lets face it, how much extra would that cost if they are taking 2 cars anyway

[Jensonb]

Paddy Lowe is not Adrian Newey...

You say that like Adrian Newey is infallible. He is not.