McLaren MP4-24 Breaks Cover!

By Jamie Fretwell

16th January 2009

McLaren have become the third F1 manufacturer to unveil their 2009 Formula One challenger, following Ferrari and Toyota.

The new car includes small, slick tyres, reduced aerodynamics, and, like the Ferarri and Toyota before it, includes KERS - the new Kinetic Energy Recovery System,

World Champion Lewis Hamilton and teammate Heikki Kovalainen will attempt to take McLaren to their first constructors' title since 1998 in the new MP4-24, after finishing second to Ferrari last season.

The car won't be raced until the Australian Grand Prix in March, but will run for the first time in testing at Portugal's Algarve Motor Park next week.

In a related story, Ron Dennis has announced that he will step down as McLaren team principal, handing over the reigns to his current number two, Martin Whitmarsh. Dennis will stay on as chief executive of the McLaren Group with Whitmarsh taking over the Formula One team from March 1.

For the full story, read our exclusive report...