McLaren says it won't rush new car
McLaren technical director Adrian Newey has stated that the team will not rush its new MP4-18A into action, despite the impressive debut of Ferrari's new F2003-GA in the Spanish Grand Prix
The new Ferrari finished first and third at Barcelona on Sunday, but McLaren says it won't rush its new car into action until it has been thoroughly tested.
"The problem is that if you bring it in too quickly and it is unreliable, then we shoot ourselves in the foot," said Newey. "So while there is pressure as far as introducing it [is concerned], we still have to establish reliability and pace."
The car is expected to have its first run after the Austrian GP on May 18, but driver David Coulthard says it can't happen soon enough for him.
"We have to have the new car out as soon as possible," said Coulthard. "It's the only way I believe that we can challenge for the championship. Ferrari have their new car, and you have to presume that the only reason they had it is because it's quicker."
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