Planet-F1

McLaren test new engine cover in Germany

Tuesday 8th July 2008

McLaren are testing a new finn engine cover at Hockenheim today as the team bids to stay ahead of Ferrari in the Drivers' standings.

Lewis Hamilton took the lead with his victory in Sunday's British GP and with the team intent on retaining it heading to Hockenheim on Tuesday morning for the first day of a three-day test.

Following early morning rain showers the 23-year-old put his McLaren MP4-23, decked out with a new finn-shaped engine cover, through its paces.

Speaking about the team's goal to keep ahead of Ferrari, CEO Martin Whitmarsh told Autosport: "I think the reality is the team have done a fantastic job to continue to develop the car over the past two races and it's starting to pay off.

"The Championship fight is rather like last year. In reality it will swing backwards and forwards according to how good a job we are doing.

"We will continue to improve but Ferrari are a strong team and they're going to be continuing to improve. We've just got to do it at a faster rate."

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