EVOLUTION THROUGH HISTORY:
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes launched its 2013 Formula 1 challenger and kicked off a year of 50th anniversary celebrations with a spectacular parade of classic racing cars at the McLaren Technology Centre this morning.The parade brought to life a string of race- and championship-winning McLarens from across the decades, included 1970s M8D CanAm sportscar, Emerson Fittipaldis iconic 1974 M23, Ayrton Sennas dominant 1988 MP4/4, our 1995 Le Mans-winning F1 GTR, Mika Hakkinens MP4-13 car from 1998 and Lewis Hamiltons 2008 MP4-23.The display culminated in the arrival of our 2013 race drivers, Jenson Button and Sergio Checo Perez who arrived driving a development model of our new McLaren P1TM sportscar and a 12C Spider, respectively.Evolution through historyThe display of classic McLarens was a timely reminder of the weight of history that constantly hangs over a team with such high expectations each and every season. Following such a winning pedigree is the aim and intention of each and every man and woman who comes to work at McLaren every day.
And, for everyone involved in its inception, the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-28 is the logical culmination of everything weve ever done: its the sum of 50 years experience, expertise and passion.The MP4-28 isnt merely a refinement of last years seven-race-winning car, its a deep and sweeping re-design of an already successful chassis in several key areas most notably around the nose and front suspension, the sidepod profiles and the rear bodywork.Jenson and Checo a perfect blendJenson and Checo continue the trend of evolution through history.Jenson begins his fourth season at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes as the teams most experienced driver. Indeed, during his time here, he has won more races (eight) and scored more points (672) than during the rest of his 10-year Formula 1 career.For 2013, he is keenly anticipating the opportunity to maximise all his skill and depth of experience to spearhead the development of the car across the championship season.By contrast, Checo is starting only his third season in Formula 1, aged 23. Young, eager to learn, and already impressing the team with his ability to absorb information, he is perfectly poised to benefit from the teams professionalism and experience as he develops and gathers pace during his important first season as a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver.Our driver pairing is the perfect blend of youth and experience.
We will once again be targeting both the drivers and constructors world championships. The ongoing strength in depth of the organisation, plus the exciting addition of Sergio to the proven package of Jenson gives the whole team strong encouragement and motivation for the year ahead.
Powering the market with 50 years of expertiseOur unrivalled experience as a British F1 team has enabled us to develop cutting-edge technologies. Were proud that the technology and expertise pioneered at the racetrack and developed by McLaren Applied Technologies, working in partnership with Vodafone, were used by British canoeists, rowers, cyclists and sailors, helping to bring home 15 gold medals last summer. In partnership with Vodafone and Birmingham Childrens Hospital, we have begun a successful pilot utilising Formula 1 data management expertise to improve the monitoring of children in intensive care a project we hope to continue and expand in 2013.We will also be supplying motors, transmissions and data systems for teams entering the new Formula E series, which is set to hit city streets in 2014.The depth of trust and respect we enjoy with our partners has allowed us to extend record-breaking relationships with the likes of Hugo Boss (32 years), TAG Heuer (28 years), Kenwood (23 years), ExxonMobil and Mercedes-Benz (19 years) and SAP (15 years).In addition, our longstanding partnerships with Johnnie Walker and Hilton (nine years), Vodafone and Santander (seven years) are globally successful. Our recent strategic partnership with GlaxoSmithKline, which has seen GSK scientists develop a successful drinks formula to hydrate the drivers, will see the launch of the McLaren GSK Centre for Applied Performance at the end of the year.Last year, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes also became the first motorsport company to retain the challenging Carbon Trust Standard in recognition of our continued efforts to reduce the impact we have on the environment.2013: the most exciting year yet for McLaren AutomotiveOn the road, McLaren Automotives high performance cars have been setting new standards. Last year we launched the 12C Spider, the open-roofed version of the groundbreaking 12C, and also unveiled the McLaren P1TM, which launches this year with the aim of being the best driverss car in the world, on both the road and track.Evolution through history or history through evolution? In 2013, we are set to do both.Jenson will begin track testing of the MP4-28 at Spains Circuito de Jerez on Tuesday February 5.
JENSON & CHECO: A PERFECT BLENDJENSON BUTTON (GBR)Date of birth January 19 1980 (33)Titles 2009 world championGPs 228Wins 15 (eight for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes)Poles 8FLs 8Points 999Im going into my fourth season as a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver and, more than ever, I know and understand the strengths and abilities of this team. This year is really about continuity and consolidation.Obviously, the biggest change for 2013 is my new team-mate, Checo. Its always interesting and inspiring to begin working with a new face, and it already feels like a very positive working relationship.I know from personal experience that it can feel initially daunting when you walk into the McLaren Technology Centre for the very first time, but I also remember how quickly I was made to feel at home and how welcoming I found the whole McLaren family. Im sure Checo already feels very much at ease here.We were extremely strong throughout the whole of the 2012 season, but, for one reason or another, we couldnt quite pull it all together to challenge for the championships. Thats something we want to address for 2013. Ive seen just how closely everybody has been working together on this car, and I think weve got the basis for a very strong season.
Well be working extremely hard during the pre-season to ensure we go to the first race with bulletproof reliability. Operationally, too, I think weve learned and developed from last year, and that will help us run a much smoother and stronger campaign.I also want to say that todays demonstration of some classic McLarens makes me feel incredibly proud to be a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver. I dont think anybody with a love for motorsport could fail to be moved by sound and fury of the cars we saw here today theyll always make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.This years car is the best weve ever made I know the engineers have left absolutely no stone unturned in wringing every ounce of performance from every available area. I cannot wait to get behind the wheel and attempt to carry forward the incredible legacy that lives beneath the skin of every single man and woman who works at McLaren.
SERGIO PEREZ (MEX)Date of birth January 26 1990 (23)Titles -
GPs 37Wins -Poles -FLs 1Points 80For me, this is a great day. In fact, every day this year has been great: Ive been working hard with my new team to get everything ready for the start of the 2013 season and its been an incredible journey to get to know this incredible organisation.Im incredibly proud to be a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver. Seeing such famous cars brought to life today, and knowing that Im driving for the team on its 50th anniversary thats such a special feeling.
Of course, I am fully aware of the steep slope ahead of me: it has already been an intense couple of weeks, getting to grips with a new team, meeting my engineers and mechanics, learning new ways of working and, of course, learning all about a brand new car something Ill need to do with just six days of on-track testing. Its a big challenge.But its definitely going to be an exciting few weeks: although Ive been racing in Formula 1 for the past two seasons, every racing car is different and it always takes a little time to adjust. Firstly, Ill need to understand the different characteristics of the car; secondly, Ill learn how to best work with my engineers to make the car suit my personal driving style. Its going to be an interesting and exciting journey.But Im more prepared than Ive ever been for the start of a new season. I feel extremely fit, focused and refreshed theres still a lot to do, but my aims are to feel confident, comfortable and ready to race by the time I land in Australia in just a few weeks time.
MARTIN WHITMARSHTeam principal, Vodafone McLaren MercedesThe launch of a new Formula 1 car is always an exciting and slightly nerve-wracking occasion. Todays parade of some of our greatest and most significant cars was a thrilling way to kick off our 50th anniversary celebrations and also our 2013 campaign but its a reminder of the tremendous responsibility everyone within the McLaren Technology Centre shares to uphold the legacy began by Bruce McLaren and taken on by Teddy Mayer and Ron Dennis.Its fully appropriate that the echoes of the past should be made to reverberate around the glass walls of a thoroughly modern building like the McLaren Technology Centre. Equally, however, weve never lost sight of the fact that well always be linked to that fearless band of enterprising pioneers who came together to form Bruce McLaren Motor Racing Ltd in the autumn of 1963. Like Bruce and his closest friends, we still have the belief that we can go out into the world, risk everything and emerge victorious. That, ultimately, is the spirit that drives this organisation.For 2013, of course, we go racing to win. With Jenson and Checo, and this fantastic-looking new car, I believe were extremely well prepared for another competitive season. Jenson is driving better than ever hes the most experienced driver in Formula 1, but he makes every ounce of that experience count: hes peerless in his ability to read a race and one of the very fastest drivers out there. Hes a consummate professional, too, and will revel in working hard to drive this team through the year.Checo joins us after a sensational 2012 season and hes immediately proved that hes intelligent, modest, hard-working and, make no mistake; very, very quick. Of course, therell be a learning curve to overcome as he gets used to our organisation, particularly during the hustle and bustle of the early-season race weekends, but he understands that we are placing no pressure on him.This is an exciting time for the whole team. In our 50th anniversary season, I want Vodafone McLaren Mercedes to underline why we are the finest grand prix team in the world.
Vodafone & Vodafone McLaren MercedesVodafone, one of worlds largest mobile communications companies, became title partner of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team in 2007, extending the relationship in 2010 to become the Official Total Communications Provider.Dominant title sponsorship branding can be seen on the MP4-28 cars and the drivers' and pit crews' overalls and helmets. In addition, the partnership delivers an innovative, powerful and integrated marketing platform enabling Vodafone customers to get closer to the action through unique experiences, innovative content, experiential events, advertising, offers and promotions.As well as providing a wide range of services to support the on-track success of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team, including fixed, mobile and broadband networks, content and communication services and associated devices, Vodafone works with McLaren Group away from the track.Vodafone & McLaren Applied TechnologiesUsing its F1-derived science and cutting edge telecommunications technology, McLaren Applied Technologies and Vodafone have partnered on numerous ground-breaking projects. In this past year alone they have worked with Birmingham Childrens Hospital. They also assisted Great Britains cyclists, rowers, sailors and canoeists with their preparations last summer.Vodafone and McLaren Applied Technologies have developed advanced systems for several sports and healthcare scenarios, making use of Vodafones expertise in enabling large amounts of critically important data to be transferred securely and reliably.
MP4-28 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONChassisMonocoque McLaren-moulded carbonfibre composite incorporating front and side impact structures, and survival cellFront suspension Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pullrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangementRear suspension Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pullrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangementElectronics McLaren Electronic Systems. Including chassis control, engine control, data acquisition, dashboard, alternator, sensors, data analysis and telemetry. Bodywork Carbon-fibre composite. Including engine cover, sidepods, floor, nose, front wing and rear wing.Driver-operated drag reduction systemLubricants & Fluids Mobilith SHC 1500 Grease lubricates the four tripod joints on the drive-shafts resisting the high temperatures generated by the exhaust and braking systemsMobilith SHC 220 Grease minimises rolling resistance in the cars ceramic wheel bearings to help maximise speedMobil SHC Hydraulic Oil running at over 200 bar and 100 C this fluid is an essential part of the hydraulic system which controls gear shift, the throttles and operation of DRS and steering systemsTyres Pirelli P ZeroRadio KenwoodRace wheels EnkeiBrake calipers AkebonoMaster cylinders AkebonoBatteries GS Yuasa CorporationSteering McLaren power-assistedInstruments McLaren Electronic SystemsPaint solutions AkzoNobel Car Refinishes using Sikkens productsEngineType Mercedes-Benz FO 108FCapacity 2.4 litresCylinders 8Maximum rpm 18,000Bank angle 90Piston bore maximum 98mmNumber of valves 32Fuel ExxonMobil High Performance Unleaded (5.75% bio fuel)Spark plugs NGK Formula 1 specification racing spark plugsLubricants Mobil 1 Engine Oil for long engine life, protection and cooling combined with improved fuel economyWeight 95kg (minimum FIA regulation weight)KERS HybridType Mercedes-Benze-Motor Engine-mounted electrical motor/generatorESS Integrated energy storage cells and power electronicsPower 60 kWTransmissionGearbox McLaren-moulded carbon-fibre compositeIntegral rear impact structureGears Seven forward and one reverseGear selection McLaren seamless shift, hand-operatedClutch Carbon/carbon, hand-operatedLubricants Mobil 1 SHC Gear Oil provides reduced fluid traction losses improving gearbox efficiency and delivering more power to the rear wheels
