McLaren MP4-26 will not run in Valencia

McLaren has announced that the MP4-26, the team’s car for the 2011 season, won’t be taking part in the first test of the season that will take place in Valencia from February 1st. The team thinks that this will give it more chances to win the world championship this year.

To Valencia McLaren will be taking an interim version of last year's MP4-25. This version will be fitted with parts of the new MP4-26 that will be presented in Berlin on February 4.

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh explains that the decision is tactical and that the outfit’s plans are not late.

"The MP4-26 is on schedule and will be launched on February 4, after which it will go through the normal testing processes," Whitmarsh told the official Formula 1 website.

"We feel that timetable is optimal with regard to providing Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton with the best possible package for the first race in Bahrain."

By missing the first test McLaren will keep its new car in the secret for a little longer. With new F1 regulations come into action in 2011, the team’s interpretation of the rules will only be shown in Jerez, giving the other teams less time to copy any unique concept that the new car may feature.

After presenting the F-duct last season, Whitmarsh seems to be hinting further innovation for 2011.

"There are new regulations for 2011 - and the MP4-26 will not only adhere to them but it will also sport a few fresh design features in response to the opportunities presented by those new regulations," said Whitmarsh. "So, yes, there will be some new elements, but as you can imagine I'm not prepared to add more detail at the moment."

McLaren’s objective for 2011 is to win, but still Whitmarsh is careful on making any predictions.

"As ever, it's impossible to make firm predictions, but we think we're on course to be competitive. Having said that, we never underestimate our opposition and we're sure they're working every bit as hard as we are."