Share

No orange McLaren for 2014?

LONDON, England - McLaren's Formula 1 2014 car will not be orange, reports Italy's Omnicorse.

With Honda arriving in 2015, the long Mercedes partnership entering the final straight and title sponsor Vodafone now departed, it had been rumoured the team could revert to its traditional colours.

Martin Whitmarsh, whose position as team boss is in serious doubt following Ron Dennis' return, said in 2013: "I really like the idea (of an orange livery). If we're lucky enough to find a sponsor who likes orange, you could see that colour again in F1."

HONDA ERA

Omnicorse, however, claims the MP4-29 will in fact retain the chrome finish of past seasons, given that it is not clear whether a new title sponsor has been signed. That would leave the door open for a full change of identity for the new Honda era in 2015.

Whitmarsh's proposal for orange, therefore, might have been dismissed by the newly all-powerful and famously meticulous Dennis. Reports say his 20-minute speech to McLaren staff just before it was announced publicly that he would replace Whitmarsh as chief executive, was followed by a standing ovation.

Dennis promises "changes" and after the disastrous 2013 season, his announcement was welcomed by staff. Race and test co-ordinator Clare Martin said on Twitter: "It's safe to say today's news was received well!"

Former team driver and long-time F1 pundit John Watson, however, warned that it should not be expected that Dennis' return would lead to immediate success.

He wrote in the London Daily Mail: "They were subjugated by Ferrari at the turn of the century, then for two years by Renault, four seasons by Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull and Mercedes are now looking very strong for 2014.

"It is a difficult route to get back to the top and it won't be a walk in the park just because Ron is coming back. It will be a building process and that process is in part going to start with this new engine formula and working towards 2015 with Honda and then beyond."
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()