Martin Whitmarsh has spelt out McLaren's goal for this season quite clearly, saying they are in Formula One to win.
Despite securing seven race victories last season, McLaren failed to launch a title attack and eventually finished third behind Red Bull and Ferrari while drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button were fifth and sixth in the Drivers' Championship.
The team's failure to once again grasp the main titles extended their Championship-less run to four seasons. This year McLaren are determined to put that right.
"For 2013, of course, we go racing to win," said Whitmarsh.
The 54-year-old believes that in Button and new signing Sergio Perez as well as the newly-launched MP4-28 he has the right combination to achieve that goal.
"With Jenson and Checo, and this fantastic-looking new car, I believe we're extremely well prepared for another competitive season.
"Jenson is driving better than ever - he's the most experienced driver in Formula 1, but he makes every ounce of that experience count: he's peerless in his ability to read a race and one of the very fastest drivers out there. He's a consummate professional, too, and will revel in working hard to drive this team through the year.
"Checo joins us after a sensational 2012 season and he's immediately proved that he's intelligent, modest, hard-working and, make no mistake; very, very quick.
"Of course, there'll be a learning curve to overcome as he gets used to our organisation, particularly during the hustle and bustle of the early-season race weekends, but he understands that we are placing no pressure on him."
This season will mark the 50th since the McLaren F1 team was founded by Bruce McLaren back in 1963 and Whitmarsh is hoping success for the team will add to the celebrations.
"This is an exciting time for the whole team. In our 50th anniversary season, I want Vodafone McLaren Mercedes to underline why we are the finest grand prix team in the world."
Related Links
First pics of the MP4-28
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