Formula 1's eyes on McLaren ahead of new car launch

Although Force India and Williams have revealed computer generated images of their designs, McLaren will publish images of its definitive new car at 12pm GMT.

The MP4-29, which successfully passed its final crash test earlier this week, will be the final Mercedes-powered McLaren before the team switches to Honda engines in 2015.

Following the Woking-based outfit's disappointing performance in 2013, when it failed to score a single podium finish, the car has had a longer gestation period than some rivals as resources were switched to the project early.

The new car is set to give fans a proper indication of what the 2014 noses will look too, amid concerns that their ugliness will cause some controversy.

After McLaren's troubled 2013 campaign, former team boss Ron Dennis is undertaking a full-scale review of the outfit's operations after returning to a Group CEO role.

Team principal Martin Whitmarsh's absence from recent press releases issued by McLaren has been notable, but AUTOSPORT understands the team will not use the opportunity of its launch to confirm the signing of former Lotus boss Eric Boullier as Whitmarsh's replacement in the role.

AUTOSPORT.com will cover the launch of the McLaren as it happens.

2014 PRE-SEASON F1 DATES

Car launches

Team        Date
McLaren     January 24
Ferrari     January 25
Sauber      January 26
Toro Rosso  January 27
Red Bull    January 28
Mercedes    January 28
Caterham    January 28

Testing

Venue         Date
Jerez         January 28-31
Sakhir        February 19-22
Sakhir        February 27-March 2