Lewis, at the roll-out there was not much opportunity to put the MP4-24 to the acid test due to the weather conditions - now with more mileage what can you tell about your new workplace for this season?
"Unfortunately, the weather in Portugal was not as we would have expected, but we did manage to put some miles on the MP4-24 and complete part of our test programme. The test in Spain was a little more productive. With warm temperatures and blue skies we were finally able to start unlocking the potential of the car and discovering just how it works. My first impressions are very favourable - the car has been very reliable, it feels very solid beneath me and doesn't have any vices. Looking at the programme ahead of us, I think we will be competitive in Melbourne next month."
Every year before the season starts there is much uncertainty about the status of the car compared to other teams - this year even more with all the new regulations and the different philosophy that teams may have taken to implement them. What is your area of concern with the MP4-24?
"I think every team wants to know the strength of its rivals - but that's the same every winter. Of course, there are lots of unknowns facing us - new aero rules, slick tyres, KERS - and that makes it even harder to predict the order once the season starts. We are working on a normal development programme with MP4-24 and, like every team, will be working hard to ensure that the car runs smoothly on the slick tyres and that KERS is reliable and fully operational ahead of the new season."
You tested the car with KERS. What can you report? Did it run smoothly? And how easy is it to integrate it into the normal driving mode to have an extra button to launch KERS?
"To be honest, you very quickly get used to using the cockpit KERS button. Don't forget that we already have a lot of dials and switches on the steering wheel, so another one or two buttons isn't going to make too much of a difference. And you soon learn how and when to use KERS; which corners benefit most from it and when you shouldn't be pressing it when the car is already on the grip limit. Of course, unlike the engines, which are frozen, KERS development will continue throughout the whole season so it's an area where the teams will be making advances on a regular basis. But I like it - it's something else to play with in the cockpit, and that's not a bad thing."
A number of drivers would prefer to run without it. Some are worried about safety, about the extra weight on the car - and that some tracks are unsuitable for it. What is your stance?
"Of course, there are safety concerns but I'm extremely comfortable with the way both McLaren and Mercedes-Benz HighPerformanceEngines have approached the KERS programme. I can tell you everything related to KERS has been designed with safety in mind, so I'm happy that our car will be safe. And the way you use it will vary from track to track. Maybe some teams won't run it at every race. It's not a discussion that I'm involved in - I just press the button when I am in the cockpit!"
Ron's stepping down was a big surprise for everybody. You see the situation from the inside: what will change?
"I know Ron and Martin very well. And I'm sure that the change at the top of the team will only bring us benefits. It will allow Ron to take a step back and concentrate on running the whole group, and it will also allow Martin to get fully involved in the Formula 1 team. But I don't think you'll see many big changes - there's not much that needs changing, after all. I know a lot of people will be watching Martin once we get to Australia, but he's a great bloke; really professional, a good laugh and totally committed. I know he'll do a fantastic job."
The first title is the hardest to achieve. Now that you have it under your belt how do you go into this season? More relaxed?
"Winning the world championship in Brazil seems such a long time ago now - things move so fast in Formula 1, even when you're not at the racetrack! To be honest, I don't really think of myself as world champion yet - I think that will finally sink in when I get to Melbourne for the first race - so I don't put any extra pressure on myself to live up to that. Obviously, becoming the champion does take some weight off your shoulders but I don't really look too closely at it: I'm just spending every moment focusing on 2009, improving my fitness, working with the team and testing the car. I'm more committed than ever."
