Thursday February 3rd, 2000

The McLaren Mercedes-Benz Formula One team unveiled their new MP4-15 car today with a warning they will be faster, stronger and more reliable than ever.

Ron Dennis' was in a confident mood which was enhanced when McLaren's world drivers' champion Mika Hakkinen of Finland and British team mate David Coulthard declared themselves to be fitter and more motivated than before.

Coulthard also pledged to be vastly stronger by saying he had reorganised his schedule, decided to relinquish all outside interests and focus solely on winning Grand Prix races this season.

The new car, powered by a Mercedes-Benz V10 engine, was an evolution of last season's vehicle in which Hakkinen claimed his second title, said technical director Adrian Newey.

Newey said: "There were quite a lot of things which we wanted to modify from last year's car and we have done that during the consistent programme of preparation and testing.

"It is basically the same car but quite a lot has changed."

Newey added that among the most significant detail changes were a new exhaust system and modified gearbox, hydraulics and rear suspension.

The aerodynamics on the car were also modified but the greatest change was the introduction of a new V10 power unit which is more compact and lighter than its predecessor, providing greater speed.

Hakkinen, who will be bidding for his third consecutive title, said: "I feel more motivated this year than I did last time. I don't know why, but there is a feeling of excitement in the whole team.

"Everyone has worked very hard to try and improve everything and I am confident that we will be stronger.

"It is my aim to stay with my friend (rally driver) Tommi Makinen and to keep winning championships. He gives me a lot of extra motivation."

Coulthard said he had a feeling at the end of last season that he did not wish to stop racing because he was in form and enjoying the contest so much.

"I was disappointed last year came to an end," he said. "It was frustrating for me and I have gone away and analysed why it felt like that. I realise I had not enough time for myself during the season and I have decided I need to be much more selfish from now on.

"Often I came home feeling tired and I never felt properly refreshed. I am going to spend less time doing anything else that interferes with my main task which is to win Grand Prix races."

Dennis said: "The investement from Daimler-Chrysler is terrific news for us. It is a historic milestone and it will increase the strength of our team and the close co-operation between us. I think it will make us stronger than ever.

"I must say we are looking forward to the challenge of this season. We have had an intensive development programme and everyone is thrilled with the prospect."