McLaren launch MP4-23 in Stuttgart

The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-23

McLaren revealed their 2008 challenger on Monday, as the wraps came off the MP4-23 in a special ceremony at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. The car will be raced by Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen this season, and both were present to witness the car’s unveiling.

The car was only completed on Sunday evening and left the McLaren Technology Centre in the UK at around 18:00 GMT, arriving at its destination at around 10:00 on Monday morning - just in time for Hamilton’s 23rd birthday."

The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-23 is the coolest birthday present you can get, well it is for me anyway!” said Hamilton. “To see the car for the first time at such a great place as the Mercedes-Benz museum makes it an even more memorable day.

“I have had the past three weeks off and spent the time training and relaxing with family and friends. I know how much work has been going on in Woking, Brixworth and here in Stuttgart and it is a great looking car.”

More report: http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/1/7231.html

McLaren to play down launching of MP4-23

MP4-22, McLaren 2007 machine

McLaren have no plans for a launch presentation of their 2008 machine, the MP4-23. Instead the team will provide the media with photographs and further details about the car when it runs for the first time next month.

The first test on the MP4-23, will be raced by Lewis Hamilton and newly-confirmed team mate Heikki Kovalainen, on the second week of January.