De Paddock - West McLaren Mercedes MP 4/17

The West McLaren Mercedes Formula One team today presented its 2002 Formula One World Championship challenger, the MP4-17, at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. Following the unveil in front of more than 300 media guests, third driver Alexander Wurz took the MP4-17 for its first run of the day.

With only a few FIA Formula One regulation changes for the technical team to take into consideration, 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, state-of-the-art wind tunnel facility, already in operation at the TAG McLaren Group`s new headquarters and technology centre, 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 introduced at the 1997 Australian Grand Prix, which saw the first victory of the partnership. In the 83 Grands Prix since then, the team has secured 30 race wins, two Drivers` and one Constructors` World Championships.

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 Räikkönen will be testing the new car for the first time on Wednesday 23rd January.

Scotsman David Coulthard who will try and challenge current World Champion Michael Schumacher again in 2002 commented: "The team has done a great job at the factory preparing the MP4-17 and we are all looking forward to seeing how the car runs. Since testing recommenced, we have completed significant mileage and this, in addition to the variable weather conditions, has allowed us to fully assess how the Michelin tyres perform. There is an inherent determination to succeed that exists throughout the whole team and we will continue to develop the car to ensure we have the complete package and are in a strong, competitive position for the forthcoming season."

Kimi Räikkönen this morning commented on the new car: "It has been an intensive few weeks as the team and myself build and cement relationships and understanding, and I am now beginning to feel like an integral part of West McLaren Mercedes. We have covered a lot of ground in testing already and I have been very impressed with the interim car. I am now extremely keen to drive the MP4-17 and to continue my learning curve in the build up to the 2002 season."

Alexander Wurz said at the launch: "The West McLaren Mercedes team are all very excited to see the MP4-17 running today, and I am honoured that the team have let me take the car for its first run of the day. We believe that we are further ahead with the process than we were at this time last year and are feeling positive about the new season. I will continue to remain dedicated to the test programme and the ongoing development of the car during the course of the year."