Before the summer break, Lewis Hamilton and the McLaren team signed their first victory of the 2009 season at the Hungarian Grand Prix, giving KERS technology its maiden Formula One win as well.
The next race takes place within the very different characteristics of Valencia's urban track as Spain hosts the European Grand Prix this weekend. McLaren are aiming to continue its successful development work on the MP4-24, a car which Hamilton believed earlier this year would probably not be capable of winning races.
"While the summer break has meant we've had four weeks to enjoy Lewis' victory in Budapest, it's very important that we are able to maintain that winning momentum into this weekend's race," declared Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh.
"Fortunately, we have made a structured effort to bring further improvements to the car in Spain and the whole team has been buoyed by that win (in Hungary) and is really looking forward to another strong set of results this weekend," he added. "I've no doubts that we'll certainly hit the ground running on Friday.
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Mercedes-Benz Motorsport Vice-President Norbert Haug believes the Valencia conditions could go either way: "The street circuit in Valencia is not considered to be the most challenging one for the drivers; however, just this kind of track can turn out to be even trickier.
"We finished last year's premiere with Lewis Hamilton's second place and will try this year to adhere to our form of Hungary. Despite Lewis' victory there we don't regard ourselves as favourites yet," he underlined.
Sunday's race will be the 250th of the partnership between McLaren and Mercedes, which began back in 1995 and led to multiple drivers' and constructors' titles.
"It is pleasing to have reached this important milestone off the back of a win and we are all focused on continuing this form here in Valencia," Whitmarsh said.
Daniel BASTIEN
? CAPSIS International
