McLaren unveil new car

Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button (right)

Published: 11:44am, 1st February 2012
Updated: 5:56pm, 1st February 2012

Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton have unveiled McLaren's latest challenger which they hope will power them to Formula One glory this season.

After finishing second and fifth respectively in last year's title race, as Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel dominated in clinching back-to-back world titles, the Woking-based marque are determined for this to be their year.

Button said: "It's a very exciting day for us all. It's the moment when we see how hard we've all been working. I want to say thanks to the guys who have been working flat out throughout the winter to develop this car."

The MP4-27, which bore a typical silver livery that has been the case for a few years now, will hit the track for the first time in Jerez on Tuesday, with Button at the wheel.

Button added: "Testing is now very important. We've got to come out of the box and be strong.

"Testing is what it says on the tin, it's about finding your feet, about gaining in confidence in the team you're working with and the car you're driving."

After admiring the car for the first time, Hamilton said: "I think it looks fantastic. It's great to be here after a great winter.

"The car is the most refined looking we've had for some time, so I'm excited to get back into it."

Ahead of his sixth season with the team, Hamilton added: "It feels very much like only yesterday when I went up to (former team boss) Ron (Dennis) and said I wanted to race for his team.

"But we've been competing at the front all those years. We've strength in depth, a great foundation from which we work. This is a team that never gives up."