McLaren Unveil the MP4-17 at Barcelona

McLaren presented this morning their 2002 Formula One World Championship challenger, the MP4-17, at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. Following the unveiling, in front of more than 300 media guests, test driver Alexander Wurz took the MP4-17 for its first run of the day.

With only a few regulation changes for the technical team to take into consideration, the team said the MP4-17 is an evolution of last year's car. The main visible differences include changes to the front suspension area and rear bodywork.

Aerodynamically, the car has been developed in the team's new wind tunnel facility, already in operation at McLaren Group's new Paragon headquarters, which is currently under construction in Woking, UK.

In addition to the completely new Mercedes-Benz engine, the FO 110M, the switch to Michelin tyres has had a significant influence on the MP4-17's configuration, with tyres affecting the steering, aerodynamics and the balance of the car.

The FO 110M V10 first ran on the dyno on 21st November 2001 and has since been extensively tested on the transient dynos in both Stuttgart and Brixworth.

The MP4-17 is the sixth car appearing in the distinctive West McLaren Mercedes colour scheme.

With Alexander Wurz piloting the MP4-17 throughout today, David Coulthard will have the opportunity to take the wheel tomorrow, at an exclusive test at the Barcelona circuit, and Kimi Raikkonen will be testing the new car for the first time on Wednesday 23rd January.

"We're optimistic about the challenges ahead of us in the 2002 season, having completed a comprehensive and positive development programme during the winter test ban," team principal Ron Dennis said. "We are launching at this early stage of the pre-season to maximise the opportunity for track work to ensure we are totally prepared for the new season and the ultimate goal for the whole team, the fight for the World Championships."

"The team has worked extremely hard since development began on our new car so that we were able to start testing with the MP4-17 as soon as possible," Mercedes' head motorsport Norbert Haug added. "Now the whole team will be making the best use of the six weeks ahead of us for testing the car and engine. Our common goal is certainly to be in a position to fight for the World Championships and to give David and Kimi a competitive and reliable package"