Motorsport
New McLaren-Mercedes MP4-21 makes track debut in Barcelona
By DPA
Jan 23, 2006, 13:53 GMT

Barcelona, Spain - The new McLaren-Mercedes MP4-21 Formula One car made its track debut at the Catalunya circuit in Barcelona Monday driven by test driver Pedro de la Rosa.

Mercedes motorsport director Norbert Haug said the MP4-21, which is powered by a new V8 motor, faced the same challenges as the competing cars of previous years.

'Accordingly, we are very happy that our new MP4-21 made its successful debut today,' he said.

Juan Pablo Montoya will take the car through its paces on Tuesday and Wednesday while teammate Kimi Raikkonen will drive it on Thursday and Friday.

'Everyone in the team is looking forward to the new season,' said McLaren CEO Martin Whitmarsh.

Last season's car, the MP4-20, won 10 times but also failed to finish 10 per cent of its races, a major factor in the team's failure to beat Renault's Fernando Alonso to the title.