Mclaren MP 4 - 20 Launched

[haryan]

The West McLaren Mercedes MP4-20 Formula One car took to the track for the first time today at the Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain, with Kimi Raikkonen at the wheel. The track debut of the team's 2005 challenger marks the start of an intensive five-day test session, which will see Kimi joined by team-mate Juan Pablo Montoya later this week.

The design of the MP4-20 has been heavily influenced by significant revisions to both the sporting and technical regulations that govern Formula One in four key areas: engine lifespan, limitations on tyre use, aerodynamics and race weekend format particularly for qualifying.

"A Formula One car is a fully integrated machine," commented Martin Whitmarsh, CEO Formula One, West McLaren Mercedes. "As a consequence, regulation changes to the extent we have seen ahead of the 2005 season, have had a major impact on the configuration of the entire package."

The aerodynamic modifications have led to the most visible differences on the car, to the design of the chassis, which has been exclusively developed in the design office and wind tunnel facilities at the McLaren Technology Centre. These include the raising of the front wing by 50mm, restricting the height of the diffuser to 125mm and bringing the rear wing package forward by 150mm.

McLaren Racing's Technical Director Adrian Newey added, "With the regulations, particularly on the aerodynamic side, being set comparatively late resulting in even harder and more dedicated work from all members of the team to get MP4-20 on track today. This has seen positive collaboration with all our Technology Partners, particularly Michelin in adapting to the extended use requirements of tyres for the coming season, when they have to last the entire race distance."

"The spec for MP4-20 was set in May 2004 and this saw the start of wind tunnel work at the McLaren Technology Centre. The timescales have been challenging but that is all part of the excitement of Formula One."

Norbert Haug, Vice President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, said: "Formula One of generation 2005 creates a host of new challenges for all the engineers involved, as well as bigger cuts and restrictions overall than ever before during the last decade. The engine's lifespan is doubled due to a change in the regulations, which allows the engines to be replaced only after two races."

"With the West McLaren Mercedes MP4-20 we hope to have created a powerful package of chassis, engine and tyres, which will enable us to resume the performance and results which our team scored in the second half of the year and particularly in the final third of the season with last year's MP4-19B."

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[haryan]

More details about Mclaren MP4 20

MP4-20 Technical specifications

Engine
Type: Mercedes-Benz FO 110R
No. of cylinders: 10
Fuel: Mobil 1 Unleaded
Lubricants: Mobil 1 products

Transmission
Gearbox: Speeds Seven forward and one reverse
Semi-auto: Yes
Driveshafts: McLaren
Clutch Hand-operated: Yes

Chassis: McLaren moulded carbon fibre/aluminium honeycomb composite incorporating front and side impact structures. Contains integral safety fuel cell
Front Suspension: Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pushrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement
Rear Suspension: Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pushrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement
Suspension Dampers: McLaren
Electronics: McLaren Electronic Systems control units incorporating electronics for chassis, engine and data acquisition. McLaren Electronic Systems also supplies the electronic dash board, alternator voltage control, sensors, data analysis and telemetry systems

Bodywork Construction: One-piece sidepod and engine cover. Separate floor section, structural nose with integral front wing.
Tyres: Michelin
Race Wheels: Enkei
Steering: McLaren power-assisted
Adhesives: Henkel Technologies
Radios: Kenwood
Batteries: GS Yuasa Corporation
Instruments: McLaren Electronic Systems
Formula weight: 600kg

[shravan316]

THe machine is out, now just hope that it is better than that MP4-19. I really do wish to see them winning the championship this year. But, the competition is tough and that is going to make this season worth watching!!

[haryan]

I think the car MP 4 20 design is good ...... Now the question is about the reliability of Ilmor Built Mercedes Engines

[Deeps]

The Mercedes engine lasted through all five days of the test last week without any major glitches. Things are finally looking good!!!!!!!!

[aggressive_anush]

Hopefully the mclaren will be atleast a little more reliable than last season and we will get to see an interesting season this year.

[haryan]

yeah ... I hope that Kimi and Montoya provide us viewers with explosive and crashing action in every race ....
Its going to be very exciting watching them both race against each other and try to challenge Michael Schumacher also

[shravan316]

Originally Posted by haryan

yeah ... I hope that Kimi and Montoya provide us viewers with explosive and crashing action in every race ....

I would like to see the McLaren duo finish the races rather than see their cars exploding or crashing!!