MP4-25 unveiled by Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team

The F1 car that will be driven by reigning world champion Jenson Button and former world champion Lewis Hamilton in the 2010 FIA Formula 1 World Championship has been officially presented today at Vodafone UK's headquarters in Newbury.

The new MP4-25 chassis has, clearly, a different look from last year's race-winning MP4-24. The F1 features a high shark-fin engine cover running up to the rear wing, not used by the team in 2009. As for the colour, McLaren's new car retains the silver, athough Mercedes switched the focus to its own "Silver Arrow" outfit.

With the F1 season starting in March, team boss Martin Withmarsh says "We look forward to an exciting championship with many new and notable faces and at least one older one. We remain proud partners of Mercedes-Benz, but we must be at our best to beat the works team."

As for the team line-up Withmarsh leaves no doubts "A great team and a competitive car can only succeed with the best drivers. Neither of our drivers need much of an introduction because between them they have won the past two world championships. We are thrilled this year to have Lewis and Jenson represent the team on track. Both drivers are winners and they want to win this year."

Driving 2010 MP4-25, the McLaren will have the champions of the last two seasons.

Lewis Hamilton is driving once again for McLaren and his goals for the new season are obivous "I want to win the drivers’ world championship, that’s clear. But, just as important, I want to help the team to win the constructors’ championship. I also want to achieve something greater this year. I’d like us to demonstrate to the world the strength, passion, and depth of belief that exists within Vodafone McLaren Mercedes."

Joining from last year's surprising champion team Brawn GP, where he achieved his first world title, is Jenson Button. The British driver is still recovering from the shocking victory last year and is aready feeling the responsability of driving the number one car, "’m incredibly proud to be standing here today knowing I’ll be carrying the number one for the whole season: that’s a great responsibility but also a great honour. It’s something I’m relishing. It looks so cool too!”

The 2010 Formula 1 season starts in Bahrain on the 12-14 of March, but the new car take its first laps on Monday, when pre-season testing kicks off at Valencia.