McLaren MP4-27
Formula 1: McLaren MP4-27
McLaren was the first of the great Formula 1 to unveil their new car with his driver, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, in a simple ceremony held in the team’s facility at its headquarters in Working.
The new MP4-27 shows an evolution developed on the basis of the car last season with new chassis and all systems updated or redesigned to suit the new regulations. The most important aesthetic differences affect the back of the car, designed to optimize the aerodynamic flow in this part of the car received a completely revised cooling system, including air intakes of the pontoons, which no longer have the characteristic shape of U last year in an area which had to be revised due to new rules that affect leakage. The new car is the work of Tim Goss, engineering director Paddy Lowe, coach, and Neil Oakley, director of design and development programs, which will be accompanied in 2012 by sporting director Sam Michael, to complete the reorganization team. At the press conference, team officials expressed their satisfaction at being the only team in Formula 1 having in its ranks two world champions, giving all the support and continuity to Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton, totaling 22 Grand Prix victories. After starting the car privately Jenson begin track testing the MP4-27 at the Circuit de Jerez on Tuesday, February 7.
“With stable regulations we have been able to focus on details with the car this year,” says Jenson Button. “I still think it was a very fast car last year, very strong in some areas, and our race pace was almost always great, but hopefully a step forward in 2012. With Mercedes, I think we also have the best engine and KERS hybrid. We have developed continuously throughout the year to fight against Red Bull, and that shows that we have the knowledge and effort can be crucial in the season. The whole team is very proud of the MP4-27, and though it may seem like a direct evolution of the car last year, we have analyzed all areas of performance during the winter and the car has benefited from a lot of fresh ideas in all areas. I get excited about driving in Spain next week. I know everyone will be watching to see what progress we made during the preseason, and I think we have every reason to feel optimistic about the competitiveness of this year. “
“Winter has served to recharge the batteries” Lewis Hamilton said, “I have escaped to the mountains and spent much time outdoors to improve my fitness and start preparing. The good thing about Formula 1 is that you start each season with a completely new basis, everyone starts again from zero. I have followed with great interest the development of the MP4-27 during the winter and I am very encouraged by the results and the data that engineers have been showing me. I think we had a very solid base in the MP4-26 last year, and I think we have been able to retain the strengths and reliability of the design while incorporating many improvements and new ideas. The biggest changes for 2012 are the regulatory changes that affect the exhaust and reduce the down force and grip it had last year, but this only makes the engineers to improve in other areas. I have the feeling that the MP4-27 will be exciting when we get to the track. “
Formula 1: McLaren MP4-27