10/03/2007
NEWS STORY
When did the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team arrive in Australia?
The first section of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team's infrastructure arrived in Australia by sea freight during the week commencing 26th February, having left the McLaren Technology Centre on 10th January. This was followed by the air freight, which departed Woking on Friday 9th. The team members began landing on Sunday 11th March, with Fernando arriving in Melbourne on Monday 12th direct from Europe and Lewis on Wednesday 14th having spent time on the Gold Coast.
What are the main tasks of the team between arrival and the first track action on Friday?
Upon arrival in Melbourne, the first task for the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team is to locate the freight and start the process of setting up the team's garage and office areas. This process begins on Sunday 11th March with an initial recce and is completed by end of play on Monday 12th. The crews for Fernando, Lewis and the T Car arrive on Monday and Tuesday and commence the process of preparing the MP4-22s for the Grand Prix. The three MP4-22s travel to Australia with the front and rear wings, steering wheels, wing mirrors and side deflector panels removed. A protective wooden floor and sides are built round the car, with a bumper at the rear to protect the gearbox. A travel nosebox and tyres are also fitted. For the drivers, work begins on Wednesday with Pedro attending a Mercedes-Benz event at the Philip Island track. Fernando and Lewis join Pedro for a team event at a beach front restaurant in Melbourne on Thursday, before arriving at the Albert Park track early afternoon to walk the track with their engineers and participate in the first technical meeting of the Grand Prix.
Are there any specific challenges that arise from having two new drivers in the team?
The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team has spent time during the winter season with Fernando and Lewis acclimatising everyone involved to the team and building one integrated unit. There are no specific challenges, it is more a process of learning and having two new drivers has provided an added element of motivation. Both drivers have been working closely with their race engineers, Fernando with Mark Slade and Lewis with Phil Prew, during testing and at the McLaren Technology Centre. During the Grands Prix, Fernando will have Steve Hallam as his contact on the pit wall, whilst Lewis will be speaking with Richard Hopkirk.
What are the key characteristics of the Albert Park Circuit?
The track is located in Melbourne's Albert Park in a city centre location and is part permanent race track part public roads. The track is partly lined with concrete walls, meaning precision is key. The grip levels are low at the start of the Grand Prix weekend, improving as the dust is cleaned up. With 16 corners, the track has a stop / go nature and is as tough on brakes as Monza. Downforce levels are medium to high. Overtaking opportunities include Turn One and the flow through into the second bend.