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

Kimi's first run on the F2008

Kimi Raikkonen negiotiating a corner in F2008

Less than 24 hours after Ferrari F2008 official launch, Kimi Raikkonen took to the track in Ferrari’s new car on Monday. Raikkonen completed the F2008’s first shakedown laps at the team’s Fiorano circuit in Italy.The F2008 is the machine with which Raikkonen will aim to defend his drivers’ crown when the new season gets underway in Australia in March.

Speaking at the launch of Ferrari’s new challenger, the F2008, Raikkonen was upbeat about his '08 prospects, as he and team mate Felipe Massa race to protect the Italian team’s title double.

“We will definitely try to win the drivers' and constructors' championship again,” said the Finn. “It's my second year at Ferrari. I know the people I am working with and I really like the team. We want to start really well into a great season. We want to win the world titles again and we want to avoid retirements.”

More details:

http://bcosurich.wordpress.com/2008/01/06/ferrari-launch-f2008/

http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/1/7226.html

http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/1/7228.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.