The Team McLaren Mercedes MP4/20 Formula One replica show car (photo) will be in Malta, courtesy of team sponsor Emirates Airline. The event is being organised by the McLaren F1 Club (Malta) in collaboration with Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline.
Racing enthusiasts, in particular fans of the Team McLaren and the general public will be able to view the replica show car at Vault 1, Valletta Waterfront, on Saturday between 10am and midnight and on Sunday between 10am and 10pm.
Emirates, an established supporter of sport around the world, entered the high-profile Formula One circuit, signing on as Partner of Team McLaren Mercedes in March 2006.
Team McLaren Mercedes MP4-20 Formula One cars are designed, developed and manufactured at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England. The MP4-20 Formula One car took to the track for the first time on 24 January 2005 at the Circuit de Catalunya, outside Barcelona, Spain, where regular driver Kimi Raikkonen took to the wheel.
It was designed by Adrian Newey and Mike Coughlan and the drivers were Kimi Raikkonen (9), Juan Pablo Montoya (10), Alexander Wurz (10) and Pedro De La Rosa (10).
The debut of the team’s 2005 challenger showed a design that had been heavily influenced by significant revisions to both the sporting and technical regulations that govern Formula One in four key areas: engine lifespan, limitations on tyre use, aerodynamics and race weekend format particularly for qualifying.
The aerodynamic modifications led to the most visible differences on the car, to the design of the chassis, which was exclusively developed in the design office and wind tunnel facilities at the McLaren Technology Centre. These include the raising of the front wing by 50mm, restricting the height of the diffuser to 125mm and bringing the rear wing package forward by 150mm.
McLaren F1 Club (Malta)
The McLaren F1 Club (Malta) was officially launched eight years ago and since then has established itself as one of the leading Formula One clubs on the Island which cater for enthusiasts of the fast lane. Its founding members are Ms Penelope Ciangura (chairperson), Joseph Baron, Ian Ciangura and Simon D’Agostino.
The club keeps regular contact with its numerous members through the full colour newsletter which is issued before every Grand Prix race, together with a detailed report of the preceding race. Members also meet at the club to watch all the Formula One races live on the big screen, where those who attend can win motor racing gifts.
Activities organised by the club which form part of the annual events include karting competitions, exhibitions, tour to the Silverstone Grand Prix and get-together (barbeques, Christmas Dinner).
The club’s official annual Formula One 32-page PITPASS magazine is distributed free to all members and motor racing fans. McLaren F1 Club (Malta) also publishes an annual catalogue with McLaren merchandising.
Members who join the club will receive a membership certificate. Further information can be obtained by writing to: McLaren F1 Club (Malta), P.O. Box 76, Paola PLA 16 or by email: [email protected]