JANUARY 22, 2001

McLaren confirm launch date

THE West McLaren-Mercedes team announced on Monday that the wraps will be pulled off their new MP4/16 car at the Valencia circuit, Spain on Wednesday, February 7.

After losing the 2000 drivers' and manufacturers' championships to Ferrari, McLaren will hope that their new car will drive Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard to glory again.

Finnish driver Hakkinen and Briton David Coulthard have retained their seats from 2000, but this year will be backed up by test driver Alexander Wurz, who will also be presented at the launch after his move from Benetton.

McLaren team principal, chairman and CEO Ron Dennis, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport director Norbert Haug, McLaren managing director Martin Whitmarsh, McLaren technical director Adrian Newey and engine designer Mario Illien will also be present at the launch.

McLaren will pull the wraps off the new car and then proceed to test at Valencia in front of the watching media.