McLaren's Giant Step Forward

[s98sadds]

Even McLaren seemed surprised by Mika Hakkinen's pace at the Hungarian Grand Prix a week ago. Although some have hinted at foul play, there is little doubt that the MP4/15 is the fastest car in Formula One today.

Last week at Silverstone in Northamptonshire, McLaren's Olivier Panis set the fastest lap on all three days of testing with championship-leader Mika Hakkinen close behind. An example of their incredible speed was demonstrated on the Tuesday when Panis set a time almost three and a half seconds faster than his closest rival, Heinz-Harald Frentzen.

Ferrari should be worried by McLaren's sudden step forward in momentum, especially as the Grand Prix circuits at Spa and Monza will favour their Woking based rivals. Although Schumacher normally performs well as Spa he will have a huge job on his hands to bring his team their first drivers' championship title in over twenty years.

If Ferrari were to join McLaren during testing they may begin to understand why the most successful team in Formula One history continues to thrash them!

To read more articles like this visit: http://www.maxmclaren.com

[Minardi fan]

Just what we need - something else to enhance F1's status as something to snooze through on a Sunday afternoon.

Not only will it make it even more boring down at the front, surely teams such as Prost, Minardi, Arrows and even BAR must be concerned about qualifying within 107%. 3.5 seconds is a massive step-up.

[Ace]

Are we preparing the terrain for the Inferior car excuse that explains why TGF failed to win the WDC in the last 4 years?

It could be too early. Ferrari has a very strong package and still can clinch the WDC. The only obstacle in their way is Mika’s newly found motivation.

[Mr.S]

They should bann Newey
Or get him to design all the cars

[Liz]

I have long ago ceased to care what McLaren does.

Unless their cars break or their pilots crash out, it's not even worth watching anymore.

[Valve Bounce]

Liz, why the strong feeling against McLaren?? They must have done something in the past to upset you!!
Personally, (changing subject a little), I have maintained that McLarens have been sandbagging all year, and the only races when they have been conquered are when something goes wrong with their cars, or when it rains in which TGF has the advantage. Don't read too much in testing, because you don't know what settings these cars are using. I am surprised that the McLarens have let the cat out of the bag performing so fast. There are many techniques to slow cars down during testing and still gain maximum information: Full tanks, limiting revs, old tyres, etc. Furthemore, I have said several times that I suspect the McLarens usually set their cars up for race trim, whereas Ferrari set theirs up for quals. My reasoning is that the Ferrari tyres usually wear out much faster during a race.

[Liz]

They're just boring. Because they win all the time. I have nothing against McLaren per se, having spent a lot of time worshipping Alain Prost in my younger days ... *sigh*

But who wants to watch a race in which the same guys always win?

[Valve Bounce]

OK, that's cool. Let's cheer for Bunsen then, Liz!! OMIGOD!! I forgot, your favourite is Ricardo. OK, let's cheer for Ricardo then, at least he speaks Portuguese.

[Liz]

So does Rubens. Quite often I cheer for him. And some day he will drive for McLaren and then perhaps I will cheer for them again.

Who knows?

[Madfan]

McLaren has hired Franklin!!!!
I guess I am mad.

[Sharky]

That's actualy a very good idea Mr S. Having a guy like newey on board is just too much of an advantage. A new rule should be made saying "the use of adrian newey or any individual with similar skills by any F1 team is forbbiden".

However I would guess that perhaps they're running the car with low weight or something just to intimidate the other teams.....I mean.....3.5 seconds is not a reasonable difference.

[Valve Bounce]

I think that how the cars perform will finally tell how good Newey really is, how good Mika is and how good McLaren is, and how good the Ilmore engine is. If TGF can beat the McLarens on a dry track, then it will convince me he is definitely the best driver on the track now. My explanation is that the Ferrari, in my opinion, is not as fast a car as the McLaren, and they rely on TGF to make up the difference. Eau Rouge will sort them out once and for all.