After setting lap records, McLaren struggle

By Parminio
February 12 2004

The test in Barcelona last week was, at best, attrocious as far as pace and number of laps were concerned. Add to that the drivers voicing concerns and looking obviously frustrated, and things are looking fishy.

So what happened?

There are a few who are throwing up the suggestion that the recent woes are simply test on the newer motor and gearbox to be released at mid season. After Ron Dennis' statement regarding the way McLaren would develop the car, and introduce a B spec of the MP4-19 mid season, these rumours would make a good deal of sense.

The idea is that McLaren have already sorted out what they'll be using in the earlier private testing, and are using these test sessions to work out problems and get new direction on which way to go for the new spec parts to be released later on this season.

As a McLaren fan, one trully hopes so. Other than that, there really is no logical reason why the MP4-19 has suddenly slowed up, and has suddenly been unable to complete a decent number of laps. Just yesterday, a decent number of laps were completed for the first time since early January, but the speed relegated us towards the rear of the field still.

It's going to be interesting to see how it goes, but one thing is certain: If things don't improve soon...or if the earlier mentioned rumour isn't true, then McLaren are going to be in trouble in a few weeks at Melbourne.