Alonso to debut 2017 McLaren
- Published on 12 Feb 2017 10:19
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Fernando Alonso will give McLaren's 2017 car its track debut later this month. The team is going through a period of change after the departure of long time boss Ron Dennis.
For the past three and a half decades, the McLaren chassis has been named 'MP4' with a rising number after it, a concept introduced by Ron Dennis when he arrived at the team in 1980. The new car will be named MCL32, and is rumoured to wear an orange livery.
Cadena Cope, a Spanish radio station, said Alonso will be at the wheel of the MCL32 when official testing begins in Barcelona on February 27.
But new chief Zak Brown is playing down expectations, telling 'Road and Track' that although team members have been "frustrated" with a lack of recent results, "We are not going to be winning any races" in 2017.
However, team boss Eric Boullier has sized down the impression that many of the changes will have on McLaren, such as the loss of team manager David Redding to Williams.
"I think you have to realise that formula one is all about change," said the Frenchman, who revealed a wider internal reshuffle. Asked if he thought about looking outside of McLaren to fill the void instead, Boullier insisted: "No, not even for a second."
And as for the 2017 car that will debut in Alonso's hands on February 27, Boullier said it boasts some "exciting changes" compared to last year.
"But we want those to be kept secret until we show it to the world on February 24," he said.
Fergal Walsh
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Replies (9)
Login to replyf1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
Hopefully McLaren make strides for 2017!
TommyK
Posts: 10
Well I fear poor Ron will get the blame if it isn't..... likewise they will attribute Rons departure if it is! You wait!!!
f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
I think they'll get fourth in next years championship, possibly challenge for one or two podiums throughout the year, which wouldn't be a massive failure
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Yeah, 4th shouldnt be an impossible goal for them. Podiums would be nice, but Im cautiously optimistic.
f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
I don't know if it's wishful thinking or true possibilities.. I highly doubt they'll move backwards anyway, which is the main thing
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Well, time will tell. Either way I doubt McLaren will be a serious top 3 challenger, but as long as they improve I'll be content.
f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
I remember reading something about Sainz saying Toro Rosso could come third next year, so if that's possible then perhaps Sauber will be constructor champions
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
And Maldonado becomes president of the FIA? ;)
Nah, I think Toro Rosso has the potential to score high points, but 3rd? Not if Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari can help it.
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
So Alonso is about to lose his interest in F1 early in winter, well maybe it's for his own good.