Spanish Grand Prix Race Report

"A solid platform from which to move forwards from here on in."


Circuit de Catalunya, Sunday May 12


JENSON BUTTON, MP4-28A/03
Started: 14th
Finished: 8th
Fastest Lap: 1m27.957s (+1.740s, 14th)
Pitstops: Three: laps 11 (2.20s), 28 (2.64s) and 46 (2.80s) [Opt-Pri-Pri-Pri]
Points: 17 (10th)


“That was an interesting race.

“The lap to the grid was very slow, which hurt us, and my start wasn’t great. I had no grip, so Turn One was a mess. I was unlucky to end up 17th at the end of lap one.

“We took the same approach as in China, adopting a different strategy from the others. To finish eighth shows what a good job the team did with the strategy. I don’t know whether we’ve improved our package or not, but we certainly beat some cars that we possibly shouldn’t have beaten.

“Still, it’s a positive that both cars finished in the points, and hopefully this’ll be the start of an upward trend. We gathered a lot of useful information today, and we’ll be working on that over the next few races in order to continue developing MP4-28.

“I want to say a big thank-you for all the support I’ve received from the British fans this weekend. It’s great to see so many Vodafone ‘rocket red’ caps and T-shirts in the grandstands. Hopefully, we’ll have a full house at Silverstone and we’ll be stronger there.

“There’s still a lot of work to do. It’s tough at the moment, but I’m pleased that we’re making the best of what we have.”


SERGIO PEREZ, MP4-28A/04
Started: 8th
Finished: 9th
Fastest Lap: 1m27.251s (+1.034s, 10th)
Pitstops: Four: laps 10 (2.39s), 23 (3.96s), 30 (2.98s) and 50 (3.51s) [Opt-Pri-Pri-Opt-Pri]
Points: 12 (11th)


“That wasn’t the race I’d hoped for. It’s so difficult to manage these tyres. We didn’t do a perfect job, and, like many drivers, I required four pitstops.

“So I didn’t maximise the full potential of our car today, so I wasn’t happy in that respect, but, having said that, I think it’s been a stronger weekend overall for us.

“Our car is still improving, and I think we can do a slightly better job at Monaco. After that I hope we’ll be able to gradually close the gap to the cars in front of us over the next few races.”


MARTIN WHITMARSH - Team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

“Jenson drove a typically classy race to work his way back from a very unlucky start, which saw him drop almost to the back of the field, all the way through to eighth place at the finish.

“To do that, on this circuit, where overtaking is notoriously difficult, and in this car, which we know is not yet as competitive as we need it to be, was a seriously impressive feat. And to do it on a three-stop strategy, managing the tires with impeccable care yet still keeping the pace consistently strong while so doing, was more remarkable still.

“By contrast, like most drivers here today, Checo opted for a four-stop strategy – but, like Jenson, he also drove a very good race, finishing in ninth place not far behind his far more experienced team-mate. At the end of the race Checo’s tyres required diligent nursing, but like Jenson he managed the situation very capably.

“We scored six world championship points today, and of course we aren’t satisfied with that. Nonetheless, to score points with both cars in what was a decidedly technical race is a very creditable achievement, and constitutes a solid platform from which to move forwards from here on in.

“Next we go to Monaco, a grand prix that McLaren has won a record 15 times in the past – and, although we aren’t predicting a 16th McLaren victory on those famously tortuous streets this year, we’ll be doing our utmost there to score as many world championship points there as we possibly can."

LIMITED-RUN McLAREN 50 12C AND 12C SPIDER ANNOUNCED TO MARK LANDMARK ANNIVERSARY

May 23, 2013

• Anniversary edition of the groundbreaking 12C and 12C Spider to mark 50 years of McLaren
• A maximum of 50 examples of each of the 12C and 12C Spider are to be built featuring unique styling and specification enhancements

As part of the continued celebrations for the 50^th anniversary of McLaren, a commemorative model is to be produced, celebrating five decades of race-winning technology and expertise of the British brand. Production of the McLaren 50 12C will be strictly limited to a maximum of 100 globally, split between just 50 examples of the 12C and 50 of the 12C Spider.

The McLaren 50 12C and McLaren 50 12C Spider feature a number of bespoke styling and specification enhancements to mark the milestone event, which will be celebrated on 2 September. These have been produced by McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the division of McLaren Automotive responsible for the delivery of bespoke projects, in conjunction with the McLaren Automotive design team led by Design Director, Frank Stephenson.

Revisions include a remodelled, CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics)-optimised front bumper from MSO, which provides increased levels of front downforce, and is inspired by the limited-run HS Edition models, to create a more dynamic visual impact. The lower section of the colour-coded bumper, framing the air intakes, is constructed from carbon fibre, while the front floor is made from race-derived carbon Kevlar. Above the bumper, a black McLaren F1-inspired heritage badge, previously only available to MSO clients, is also fitted on the bonnet.

As standard, the McLaren 50 12C and 12C Spider models are fitted with the carbon ceramic brake upgrade, with 394x36mm discs at the front, and 380x34mm at the rear. Offering enhanced stopping power, these sit behind bespoke McLaren 50 Ultra Lightweight wheels finished in Satin Black. This unique design, 19-inch at the front and 20-inch at the rear, offers a combined 2kg saving over the optional Super Lightweight wheels. 

Inside the cabin, the McLaren 50 12C models are upholstered with a full leather upgrade, while subtle branding to the carbon fibre sill panel and floor mats is complimented by an anniversary dedication plate on the driver’s door which highlights the limited run.

Available in one of three striking colour finishes – Carbon Black, Supernova Silver or heritage McLaren Orange – exterior aesthetic enhancements for the McLaren 50 12C continue with carbon fibre turning vanes offering further visual appeal, and featuring the McLaren 50 logo.

Each of the McLaren 50 models will be presented with a monogrammed black and silver car cover, limited edition key, carbon fibre presentation key box and a specially commissioned print signed by McLaren Automotive Design Director, Frank Stephenson.

The recommended retail price in the UK for the McLaren 50 12C is £196,000, and £215,500 for the McLaren 50 12C Spider.

SLR Blue McLaren 12C Spider

Between the time of the photoshoot and being able to upload them, the vehicle has officially been SOLD and DELIVERED. This particular 12C Spider features a few bits from McLaren Special Operations ("MSO") that allow the most discerning of clients to customize their 12C to fit their tastes. 

A few notable options are:
MSO SLR Blue paint
MSO Extended Carbon-Fiber Paddles
MSO Alcantara Steering Wheel
MSO Alcantara Cluster Top
MSO Carbon-Fiber Rear Deck Vent
MSO Blue Stitching
Alcantara Seat and Dash Inserts
Carbon-Fiber Trim (Steering Wheel, Center Console, Switch Panels)
Carbon-Fiber Door Sills
Carbon-Fiber Turning Vanes (exterior side scoop)
Carbon-Fiber Rear Diffuser
Carbon-Fiber Front Lip Spoiler
Carbon-Fiber Engine-Bay Package
Carbon-Fiber Seats
Stealth Package
McLaren Newport Beach Color-Matched Brake Calipers
McLaren Newport Beach Clear-Bra

For more please click here: SLR Blue Flickr Set

To order and/or customize your McLaren 12C Spider with us, click here: 12C Spider

Without further more, we present to you this McLaren 12C Spider in SLR Blue.

McLAREN P1™: ‘DESIGNED BY AIR’ INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE UNLEASHED

May 2, 2013

• Insight into the groundbreaking aerodynamic technology which has optimised the bodyshape of the McLaren P1™
• Online interactive experience can be found at designedbyair.com

The key to the performance for the McLaren P1™ is aerodynamics, and a new web experience, entitled ‘Designed by Air’, is the first of a two part series telling the extraordinary story behind the car’s design.

The website offers participants a detailed insight as the car is ‘born’ from raw metallic and carbon elements and is crafted by airflow. The journey evolves to unveil the McLaren P1™ within the wind tunnel highlighting the aerodynamic focus of the design.

Expanding into further sections, the story behind the design of the McLaren P1™ reveals an interactive 3D model with further information about the finely honed aerodynamic features. The immersive experience, inspired by McLaren Automotive Design Director Frank Stephenson’s biomimicry design philosophy, showcases the McLaren P1™ in simulated urban, alpine, highway and track environments, detailing how the active aerodynamic systems adjust and adapt to deliver optimum performance for differing driving conditions.

The ‘Designed by Air’ McLaren P1™ experience is socially enabled, with a final section ‘Future Chapters’ inviting users to ‘like’, share and register ahead of future updates on the car’s interior and performance features.

Frank Stephenson, Design Director at McLaren Automotive explains: “Our main objective with the McLaren P1™ was to design the best driver’s car in the world, on road and track. Managing air flow in and around the car’s bodywork and optimising aerodynamics was key in achieving this goal. This design philosophy crafted the highly unique and emotive shape of the car.

“The online ‘Designed by Air’ experience developed for the McLaren P1™ captures the essence and detail of the car’s aerodynamic design in an immersive and engaging way.”

The McLaren P1^TM experience can be found at designedbyair.com.

NEW VIDEO SHOWS THE McLAREN P1™ BEING DRIVEN IN EXTREMES AS TESTING CONTINUES

Apr 30, 2013

• Durability and development testing carried out in the extreme conditions of the
  Arctic Circle
• McLaren P1™ to feature at the 2013 Goodwood festival of Speed
• Short, high definition video showing the McLaren P1™ testing can be viewed at: http://youtu.be/Hb_6pNFqqNA

With only a few months remaining until the first deliveries will be made to just 375 customers, the development programme for the McLaren P1™ continues to accelerate as it nears its end. This extensive work is being carried out to ensure that the McLaren P1™ delivers on the target of being ‘the best driver’s car in the world on road and track’…or a frozen lake, for that matter.

As part of durability testing, the development team recently travelled with the McLaren P1™ to the dramatic frozen landscapes of the Arctic Circle, in northern Sweden. Here, the car was put through its paces and tested to the extremes, in some of the most hostile and toughest conditions on the planet.

The testing schedule continues at pace, with XP prototypes running extensively across the globe, working to optimise the groundbreaking systems and technologies which have been borne of 50 years of race-winning knowledge and expertise.

The culmination of this testing and infamous McLaren attention to detail will be showcased over the summer, when the McLaren P1™ will publicly demonstrate the power available from the mid-mounted 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine and highly effective electric motor which generate 916PS, with a number of dynamic displays. As plans for the 50^thanniversary celebrations for McLaren continue, it has also been confirmed that the latest model from McLaren Automotive will feature as part of the planned activities at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

This latest stage in the rigorous testing process for the McLaren P1™ has been captured in the short film which can be viewed here – www.youtube.com/McLarenAutomotiveTV.

McLAREN TO SHOWCASE HERITAGE AND CONTEMPORARY CAN-AM MODELS AT GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED

Apr 29, 2013

• The Can-Am name to join the collection of historic McLaren models to run up the Goodwood Hill this summer
• The ultimate McLaren racers of the 1960s and 70s honoured by the most powerful 12C produced to date
• A short, high definition video showing the M8D Can-Am racer in detail and the 12C GT Can-Am Edition on track can be viewed here:http://youtu.be/xZoZME-itbE

 As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, McLaren will showcase a selection of legendary models from the company’s heritage collection at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. Alongside some of the most famous race- and championship-winning models from the brand’s illustrious past will be the latest model from McLaren GT which echoes a name with significant links to McLaren – the 12C GT Can-Am Edition – which will thrill crowds as it takes part in the run up the Goodwood Hill.

The McLaren name is synonymous with Can-Am racing throughout the 1960s and 1970s, with the McLaren Racing team claiming five back-to-back world championships between 1969 and 1974, making it the most successful team in the history of the championship.

 The original McLaren Can-Am racers were campaigned by great names from motorsport history including Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme, and are the inspiration for the 12C GT Can-Am Edition. This latest project from McLaren GT is the rawest, most track-focused model built by McLaren Group’s race car manufacturing arm, to-date. Like the cars with which it shares the famous motorsport badge, the 12C GT Can-Am Edition features a powerful V8 engine, with the new model fitted with an unrestricted version of the 3.8-litre twin-turbo powerplant in the 12C GT3. Further modifications over the race-winning 12C GT3 include an optimised aerodynamics package, to provide even greater levels of downforce, and a passenger seat, to allow the thrills of this latest track car to be shared.

The track-only 12C GT Can-Am Edition will be produced in strictly limited numbers, with no more than 30 being built globally. This exclusivity is fitting for the most powerful 12C produced to-date – a worthy tribute to the first McLaren model to wear the Can-Am name since 1972.

About McLaren GT

McLaren GT was launched as a new brand within the McLaren Group early in 2011, and is the race car manufacturing arm based in Woking, Surrey at the former home of McLaren Racing. Following a development year, McLaren GT supplied more than 20 examples of the 12C GT3 for racing in Europe in 2012. Each of the customer teams worked closely with McLaren GT engineers during the competitive debut season, with the opportunity to test vehicle set-up using the same simulator programme used by McLaren Racing.

McLaren Technical Partners
In the development, engineering and manufacture of the innovative and highly acclaimed 12C sports car and 12C GT3 racer, McLaren Automotive and McLaren GT have partnered with world leading companies to provide specialist expertise and technology.  These include Akebono, ExxonMobil and Pirelli.

For further information on McLaren GT, the 12C Can-Am Edition and the 12C GT3, visit  www.mclarengt.com

Bahrain Grand Prix Race Report

"That’s what this sport is all about; it’s called racing."

Bahrain International Circuit, Sunday April 21

SERGIO PEREZ, MP4-28A/02
Started: 12th
Finished: 6th
Fastest Lap: 1m37.913s (+0.952s, 7th)
Pitstops: Three: laps 10 (2.76s), 20 (2.69s) and 39 (2.92s) [Opt-Pri-Pri-Pri]
Points: 8 (6th)

“That was an incredible race – really enjoyable.

“I have to thank the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team first of all – we’ve been through some difficult times recently, but they kept on supporting me. All in all, it’s been a solid weekend – we got pretty much the maximum from the car, ran a great strategy, looked after the tyres, and scored some very useful points.

“I guess I was a little aggressive on track today; banging wheels with Jenson was perhaps a little too risky, a little too hard, but the team never came on the radio to tell us to stop racing. There were no team orders.

“There was a lot of adrenaline from both of us, and Jenson is always a very strong racer, but hopefully we’ll help each other a little more in the future.

“He was calm and friendly after the race, though, which was great; but that isn’t surprising because he’s a great guy as well as a great driver."

JENSON BUTTON, MP4-28A/03
Started: 10th
Finished: 10th
Fastest Lap: 1m37.743s (+0.782s, 5th)
Pitstops: Four: laps 9 (4.43s), 21 (3.46s), 34 (3.04s) and 46 (2.81s) [Opt-Pri-Pri-Pri-Opt]
Points: 1 (10th)

“Today wasn’t brilliant for me. Okay, the race was a lot of fun, but I didn’t get the result I wanted because I used up my tyres fending off Checo.

“There was a lot of action out there, and as I say I wasn’t really able to conserve my tyres as a result. That was partly because I had to work my way back through after my second pitstop, when I’d been fighting with Romain [Grosjean].

“But there was a lot of clean racing out there too – although as I say Checo was a bit tough, which was a little unusual. He did a good job overall though: he had good pace, and he looked after his tyres well. So, congratulations to him, because together we scored some very useful points for the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team today.”

MARTIN WHITMARSH - Team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

“The 2013 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix was a fantastic motor race, and I’m sure it was hugely entertaining for the tens of millions of viewers who watched it at home as well as for those lucky enough to be here at Sakhir to see it for real.

“Checo drove his best race for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes so far, passing both Fernando [Alonso] and Mark [Webber] in the closing stages, to finish a fighting sixth at the flag.

“It was a very good drive, especially when you consider that he was able to maintain such strong race pace despite having sustained damage to his rear wing and one of his front-wing endplates.

“Jenson would have finished right up there, too, had he not had to make an extra tyre stop with just 10 laps to go. Nonetheless, he, too, finished in a solid points-scoring position.

“The two of them spent much of the afternoon in close proximity to each other – sometimes in nail-bitingly close proximity actually – but that’s motor racing. Both Jenson and Checo are fast, forceful and hungry for success – and that’s exactly how it should be. It’s called racing, and we at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes always allow our drivers to race. It’s what this sport is all about. Having said that, it’s probably fair to say that Checo was a little too combative with Jenson this afternoon, and I think he knows that.

“From here we travel back to Woking [Surrey, UK], where we’ll work hard on our upgrade package for Spain, where in three weeks’ time we hope to continue the process of demonstrating the fruits of our steady development of MP4-28 into the competitive machine we need it to be.”

Race Results:

1 Sebastian Vettel Red Bull 57 laps 1:36'00.498
2 Kimi Räikkönen Lotus 57 laps 1:36'09.609+9.111
3 Romain Grosjean Lotus 57 laps 1:36'20.005+19.507
4 Paul di Resta Force India 57 laps 1:36'22.225+21.727
5 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 57 laps 1:36'35.728+35.230
6 Sergio Perez McLaren 57 laps 1:36'36.496+35.998
7 Mark Webber Red Bull 57 laps 1:36'37.742+37.244
8 Fernando Alonso Ferrari 57 laps 1:36'38.072+37.574
9 Nico Rosberg Mercedes 57 laps 1:36'41.624+41.126
10 Jenson Button McLaren 57 laps 1:36'47.129+46.631
11 Pastor Maldonado Williams 57 laps 1:37'06.948+1'06.450
12 Nico Hülkenberg Sauber 57 laps 1:37'13.431+1'12.933
13 Adrian Sutil Force India 57 laps 1:37'17.217+1'16.719
14 Valtteri Bottas Williams 57 laps 1:37'22.009+1'21.511
15 Felipe Massa Ferrari 57 laps 1:37'26.862+1'26.364
16 Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso 56 laps +1 lap
17 Charles Pic Caterham 56 laps +1 lap
18 Esteban Gutiérrez Sauber 56 laps +1 lap
19 Jules Bianchi Marussia 56 laps +1 lap
20 Max Chilton Marussia 56 laps +1 lap
21 Giedo van der Garde Caterham 55 laps +2 laps 

Retirement Jean-Éric Vergne Toro Rosso 16 laps (overheating)