McLaren boss, Martin Whitmash, has admitted that he holds F1 car designers and engineers in the highest regard after they have, once again, come up with some exciting new innovations for the 2011 season.
Whitmash has also stated that he is delighted with his team’s progress and work ethics and says that there is no where else he would rather be, “2010 was an absolutely fantastic F1 season,” said the 22-year McLaren veteren.
“You come out of such a season with a whole range of emotions, but clearly I was very proud to be the team principal of McLaren-Mercedes. I was proud of our drivers – they’re two great world champions, and great human beings too.
“I’ve been very fortunate to be in this team for 22 years. The nice thing is working in a team with people I enjoy working with and who I’ve got great respect for.”
The 52-year old, who took over from Ron Dennis in 2008, seems confident of the team’s chances this season and says that the key to success in F1 is innovation.
“There are some fantastic innovations, which never cease to amaze me. We’re in a business where if you’re not innovating, you will not be competitive”
“F1 is about continuously developing and we will continue to develop the car race-by-race – it’s a really interesting challenge.”
McLaren’s MP4-26 made it’s track-debut on Thursday in day one of the Jerez test with Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel. The Brit managed to secure 5th fastest with a 1:21.914s – 1.205s behind Felipe Massa who topped the session.
