McLaren aims to 'hit the ground running' in Melbourne

McLaren F1 boss Andreas Seidl says the papaya squad aims to kick start its 2020 campaign by hitting the ground running in Melbourne next weekend.

McLaren enjoyed a productive two weeks of pre-season in Barcelona during which it worked diligently to understand its 2020 car.

And the time has now come for the team and its drivers to put their knowledge of the MCL 35 to good use.

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"Following a successful pre-season testing, we feel prepared for the challenge of 2020 but conscious of where we need to focus," Seidl said.

"The Australian Grand Prix is where we first see how competitive all the teams are without the usual caveats of testing, so there is plenty to learn.

"We aim to hit the ground running at Albert Park and set ourselves up well for the rest of the season.

"Building our understanding of the MCL35 early in the year is crucial to our positive development."

Seidl took the reins of the McLaren team in the spring of 2019, so it will be the German's first race Dow Under with the Woking-based outfit;

"I’m looking forward to seeing all the fans and taking in the amazing atmosphere," he said.

"Starting the season with a back-to-back always raises challenges, but thanks to the hard work of the entire team both back at the factory and trackside, we head into the first two races prepared.

"Together with Carlos and Lando we're ready to go again for 2020."

As a side note, McLaren heads to Melbourne with a new sponsor - Japanese investment and marketing form Buzz and Co - just added to its roster.

"This innovative new partnership with Buzz & Co will allow us to deepen our connections to businesses and fans alike in our key market of Japan," said McLaren boss Zak Brown.

"I am pleased to welcome Daisuke-san into our extended team and look forward to taking to track together this season."

Buzz & Co joins Unilever and FAI Aviation Group as McLaren's latest partners. The company's logo will appear on the inside rear-wing endplate of the new McLaren MCL35.

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