McLaren plans B-spec car

McLaren has revealed that it plans to introduce a B-spec version of the MP4-19 later this year in a bid to boost the title hopes of Kimi Raikkonen and David Coulthard, according to this week's AUTOSPORT magazine

The new car, which is expected to be brought in during the middle of the season, will feature major changes in design to help lift the performance of the car. The B-spec is one stage of four development steps planned for 2004.

It is hoped that the strategy will help prevent the team from reaching the limit of development on the current MP4-19, which was the first 2004 contender to break cover when it hit the track in November.

"The car that finishes the season will not be a 19 - it will be a 19B," said team boss Ron Dennis. "It will be significantly different from the car we have in the first grand prix. We have got a very ambitious programme through the year that will see the car evolve into a cat that we will call a 'B'."

McLaren is currently testing the MP4-19 at Barcelona, but its running has been hampered by engine related problems. It is understood that Mercedes is in the process of shipping a number of new units to the Spanish track.