McLaren Ready For Last Ditch Title Effort
Aug 19, 2011 | 03:48 PM
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McLaren Ready For Last Ditch Title Effort
McLaren Ready For Last Ditch Title Effort
August 19, 2011 - Text and Photo by Dana Larkin
When Formula 1 returns to the grid at Spa next week, McLaren appears geared up for a last ditch effort to secure a world title. Despite being 103 points behind Red Bull in the constructor's standings, recent McLaren wins at the German and Hungarian grands prix have breathed new life into the title fight. McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh is optimistic that the entire group will be refreshed and ready to try and close the gap to Red Bull.
"The whole team has returned to work feeling refreshed, relaxed and recharged," Whitmarsh said "and I'm confident that we'll see the benefit of that at the racetrack: our engineers and strategists are hungry to get back to business, and our mechanics are fit and ready to continue the excellent progress they have been making all season with fast and reliable work in the garage and the pitlane."
With three wins in the past five races and with points leader Sebastian Vettel showing some signs of weakness, McLaren has fertile ground in which to plant its renewed optimism. "We are more than ready for this fight, and relishing every race" said Whitmarsh.
McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton has noted that the team's recent upgrades have increased both he and teammate Jenson Button's confidence on the track. Button echoed Hamilton's sentiments and noted that while both of his season victories had taken place in the rain, he felt positive that the car is now quick enough to win under any conditions. This is good news heading into a race at Spa where the weather can change in an instant. But despite the points gap and potential weather trouble, both drivers are eager to get back to racing. "Of course, the weekend is likely to be affected by the weather, which is always somewhat unpredictable at Spa," Hamilton said, "I'd prefer a dry race, but, to be honest, I'll take any track condition: I just can't wait to get back out in my car!"
During the summer break Hamilton has praised a more competitive and predictable MP4-26. "I think we go into the race weekend in a pretty good place," Hamilton said, "We've won the last two grands prix and the car feels strong; we've worked hard to improve the set-up, so it's really inspiring confidence at the moment, which means you can push it that little bit further, particularly in qualifying."
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