Formula One news
Whitmarsh believes in 2007 turnaround
15 January 2007 / PhotosChief Operating Officer Martin Whitmarsh is confident that McLaren will go back to winning ways after a year of underachievement in 2006. Whitmarsh expects that the fresh driver line-up, steadied by the continuity of progress and commitment within the Woking-based squad will make the difference.
"Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has the expectation of winning each and every year," Whitmarsh said on the launch of the team's new MP4-22.
"Inevitably people can look at our performance last season and be able to criticise us and frankly, we didn't do a good enough job. My feeling, having been at this point of the season on many occasions before, is highly optimistic for 2007. We are devoid of the tyre competition that we have had in recent years; however we are very happy with our relationship with Bridgestone and their technical approach. We have been working hard on the engineering package and believe we have made good progress to improve our performance."
The boost to morale of gaining the services of double world champion Fernando Alonso is evident. However, it is with the determination of debutant Lewis Hamilton that Whitmarsh is most impressed.
"Fernando is obviously a very proven product and an extraordinary double World Champion. His arrival in the team has been highly motivational," he revealed.
"Alongside Fernando we have the excitement of the debut year for Lewis. His level of preparation and commitment is unprecedented. He has not only excelled, but exceeded our expectations with all the challenges that we have set him to reach this point. We must be a little cautious and control our enthusiasm because Formula 1 is a very challenging environment, but in time we have little doubt that Lewis will be a winning driver in the sport," he added.
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