Fresh from winter testing programs, Formula 1 teams are currently assembling in Melbourne Australia to embark on the 2004 season. With only one week remaining until the checkered flag is waved the F1 community is rife with speculation regarding the McLaren Mercedes team’s latest racer the MP4-19.
In pre-season testing McLaren alternated lap records on some circuits with comparatively slow running against their rivals on other circuits has people talking of problems with the car and has raised the specter of McLaren sandbagging.
The perception was that McLaren, being the first team to hit the testing track with their new car would gain an advantage with more time for car development and increased reliability. However, results from McLaren’s winter testing programme could best be described as inconsistent.
Early tests were positive with strong and consistent running, whereas subsequent tests were plagued with reliability problems and comparatively slow lap times. Earlier this week McLaren driver Kimi Raikkonen was calling for more horsepower from his Mercedes engine. This may be symptomatic of an engine flaw, which may have to be de-tuned in order to make it through the race weekend.
Winner of the 2003 Melbourne Grand Prix, David Coulthard, believes the team will overcome any technical issues and the McLaren Mercedes will prove to be competitive.
Speaking on the McLaren website David remarked….
“Well, we’ve done a number of different tests through January and February, mainly in Spain because of weather and availability of the circuits. We’ve inevitably experienced a few technical problems, which is part of the development of a new car. I think we would be just as worried if we didn’t have problems, because that would be unusual. Pace wise, it is very difficult to judge but I think it’s safe to say that we’re going to competitive when we get to Melbourne.”
;)
