McLaren launch the MP4-23 in Stuttgart

January 7, 2008

As reported at Autosport.com, the McLaren Mercedes team on Monday launched their new car for the 2008 season, the MP4-23, in an event in Stuttgart, Germany. McLaren were the second Formula One team to unveil their 2008 challenger following Ferrari’s launch of their F2008 yesterday. The McLaren event was a lot more straight-laced than last year, when the team staged a major extravaganza in Valencia, Spain.

The MP4-23, which will be driven by Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen during the season, has a longer wheelbase than its predecessor. It also has a straightened nose and sports a more wrapped bodywork with tighter undercuts. The car includes an all-new carbon fibre gearbox.

McLaren’s launch coincided with Hamilton’s 23rd birthday. “It is Lewis’ birthday today, we’ve gone to a lot of trouble… He is 23, it is the MP4-23 and he will carry (number) 23 on the car, but that is more by accident than judgement I must say,” said team principal Ron Dennis.

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