McLaren-Honda unveiled its new challenger, the
McLaren Honda MP4-31, prior to its winter testing at the Circuit de
Barcelona-Catalunya, for the upcoming 2016 FIA Formula One (F1) World
Championship. The Honda RA616H, a compact, 1.6-litre V6 turbo engine with ERS
will be fitted into this car for the 2016 season.
The MP4-31 is a matured
evolution of last year's car, owing to a continuity of the technical regulations
for 2016, with a balance of elegant aerodynamics paired with a highly
space-efficient power unit.
McLaren-Honda driver Fernando Alonso said, “The start of a
new season is always a special feeling, characterised by a lot of anticipation
for the year ahead. This year is no different: I’m excited and raring to go. Last
year the spotlight was very much on McLaren-Honda as we embarked on the first
year of our renewed partnership. It was a tricky season for all of us, but we
learned a hell of a lot.”
“The aero package shows
fantastic attention to detail. The whole car is beautiful in fact – it’s
particularly nicely packaged from an aerodynamic point of view as I say – and
I’m 100 per cent ready for the challenge ahead,” he stated.
Alonso’s teammate Jenson
Button said, “I really can’t wait to take the wheel of the new MP4-31 tomorrow.
All Formula 1 drivers need a winter break, but I’m massively excited to get
started on the 2016 season now, and I have to say the brand-new McLaren-Honda
MP4-31 really looks the part.”
“Despite the ups and downs we
saw last year, there were steady improvements all year long, and that gives us
confidence in the design direction we’re taking. There are a lot of positives
we can build on, and a strong platform to take forward. I’m not about to make
any over-optimistic predictions – Formula 1 is far too unpredictable for me to
do that – but, from what I’ve seen so far, the aero detailing on the car looks
fantastic, and I’m really looking forward to beginning the process of testing
those new innovations when I get behind the wheel tomorrow,” he added.
Source: McLaren-Honda