F1 News, Reports and Race Results

McLaren adds more updates to MCL32 for Monaco

McLaren will introduce more updates at the Monaco Grand Prix next weekend following the positive impact in Barcelona of the MCL32's initial upgrade in Barcelona.

The car's aero revision in Spain included new wings, floor and bodywork changes which boosted the performance of Fernando Alonso in qualifying, with the Spaniard's P7 representing his best result to date.

McLaren's racing director Eric Boullier believes that the team's persistent work is starting to pay off with another step forward expected next week.

"We have restructured and rebuilt the team and now it is working and operating very, very well," Boullier told Motorpsort.com.

"You can see the results: and our correlation rate is unbelievable.

"In Spain we brought a new front wing, new bodywork, new floor, and new rear wing and it is correlating 95 percent.

"And with this year’s new regulations meaning there are big gains every time you work in the wind tunnel or CFD, we see big potential still."

"So what we had on the car [in Barcelona] was the first part of the package and the second part will be in Monaco.

"It has allowed us and Fernando to step up into this midfield pack – and this is a fact not fantasy."

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The progress registered in Spain now has the Woking-based outfit convinced that it can enjoy a top-ten finish if engine reliability comes its way.

"It is not hope – we know that on the less power sensitive tracks that we can be in the points," added Boullier.

"That is it. But we are not racing to be seventh. I told Mansour [Ojjeh, McLaren shareholder] that on Saturday.

"He got excited about qualifying, and especially when you watch the telemetry live, you can see where he [Alonso’] was gaining and where he was losing, so for maybe three seconds you will go, ‘yes, another step done!’

"But the next thought is – ‘it is just seventh you know’. So nothing to be really excited about."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.