McLaren MP4/10 presentation

The Marlboro McLaren Mercedes team unveiled today (17th Feb) the car with which they aim to achieve Grands Prix success in the 1995 FIA Formula One World Championship. McLaren's innovative MP4/10 chassis and Mercedes' new 3-litre engine were presented at the Science Museum, London by Ron Dennis, Managing Director of McLaren International and Jurgen Hubbert, Member of the Board and Head of the Mercedes-Benz Passenger Car Division.

The choice of the prestigious Science Museum for the unveiling was a tribute to the heritage that both McLaren and Mercedes have in the field of engineering excellence. Bruce McLarens' original Austin 7 and Benz's 1908 Grand Prix car were both on display, as a testament to this heritage, these two cars representing respectively Bruce McLaren's first racing car and Mercedes-Benz' earliest Grand Prix challenger.

The decision to use the historical building in central London also has much to do with the thread of creativity that has always run through the two respective companies, as well as recognition of the pioneering work undertaken by McLaren in the field of composite structures.

"McLaren will be supporting innovative educational projects to introduce young people to the world of science and technology," said Ron Dennis, announcing McLaren's joining of the Science Museum's Corporate Partnership Programme.

The first Formula One advanced carbon fibre monocoque was introduced by McLaren in 1981 on the MP4/1. This material had been developed in 1962 by a team led by Dr William Watt, assisted by Bill Johnson and Leslie Phillips, at the Royal Aircraft Establishment. Today, all Formula One and Indy Car teams utilise these materials in the construction of their cars.

"The joining of Mercedes and McLaren has created a team which should bring even more excitement to Formula One, as well as a commitment to the most advanced technological solutions." said Ron Dennis. "The birth of this car represents a new chapter for us both, our sponsors and partners. Supported by the long-term backing of Marlboro and Mobil, our new lubricant and fuel suppliers, this promises to be a formidable team."

The all new 3-litre Mercedes V10 engine - designated FO110 - built for the exclusive use of the team, has been designed by Mario Illien, the Technical Director of Mercedes associate Ilmor Engineering. "This engine represents the optimal approach to the new 1995 regulations," said Paul Morgan, Ilmor Engineering's Managing Director. "The team decided to start with a clean sheet of paper and apply the slogan "Optimise, not Compromise"."

"We will go through a learning process during the first half of the season," commented Norbert Haug, Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport. "In the second half of the championship, our drivers Mika Hakkinen and Nigel Mansell will have an engine-car combination that should enable both of them to be extremely competitive."

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