Haug: new engine a challenge

Because, according to Haug, the new regulations for 2005 that stipulate the same engine must be used for two entire grand prix weekends were agreed so late, Mercedes faced a challenge in completing the new engine in time.

"The engine's lifespan is doubled due to a change in the regulations, which allows the engines to be replaced only after two races," he said. "This modification was announced extremely late, putting even bigger strain on the engine people.

"Additional strain was caused by the demand that performance be maintained despite the doubling of the lifespan. The new rules concerning the aerodynamic limitations and the use of only one set of tyres per race are no less challenging; it was therefore an interesting and busy winter not only for our engine technicians but also for the team's chassis engineers.

"This generation of 2005 regulations creates a host of new challenges for all the engineers involved, as well as bigger cuts and restrictions overall than ever before during the last decade," he added.

Haug also reiterated the views of other key team personnel in suggesting that much is hoped of the new McLaren-Mercedes challenger. "With the MP4-20 we hope to have created a powerful package of chassis, engine and tyres, which will enable us to resume the performance and results which our team scored in the second half of the year and particularly in the final third of the season with last year's MP4-19B."