F1: McLaren's MP4-22 voted 'Best Racing Car'

[Rory Phoulorie]

Monday 3rd December 2007



Although Ferrari clinched both World titles this season, McLaren's MP4-22 was voted the 'Best International Racing Car' at the Autosport Awards.

The MP4-22 carried McLaren drivers Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso to four wins apiece during this year's Championship, with the duo both finishing the season on 109 points, one behind Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.

The Woking team also would have finished second in the Constructors' Championship had they not been excluded in the Stepneygate spy scandal.

But despite losing both titles to Ferrari, it was McLaren's MP4-22 and not Ferrari's F2007 that clinched the Autosport award.

"It was a very, very fantastic year," McLaren engineering director Paddy Lowe said when he accepted the trophy.

"I really enjoyed it and, despite the politics, the team did a fantastic job.

"We are so proud to take this prize.

"Clearly we came away without any official silverware but this is fantastic and we will really appreciate it back in the office."

Lowe also paid tribute to Ferrari, who claimed both 2007 World titles.

"They were worthy champions in the end, but we fought them tooth-and-nail all the way," Lowe said.

Meanwhile Williams' director of engineering Patrick Head was honoured with the 'John Bolster Award for technical achievement in motor racing.'

"I have to say I am absolutely flabbergasted by this, we have done nothing in serious terms this year," Head said.

"I couldn't understand why Frank was here this year, he hasn't been to one of these for seven or eight years.

"I still really enjoy what I do, working with the young engineers and putting a team together is the most fantastic feeling you get when you get it right.

"Those old years were fantastic, but they are in the past."

Planet-F1