After his fine end to the season Hamilton hopes to challenge in 2010

McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh hopes to challenge for the title next year after their fine finish to the 2009 season.

After a poor first half of the season, much-improved McLaren claimed 57 points in eight races to pip Ferrari for third in the F1 constructors' championship.

"Work on next year's car is going very encouragingly - it's already quicker than the current car, " said Whitmarsh.

"Ferrari are formidable opponents. Next year we hope to beat them again - this time for first, rather than third."

Deposed world champion Lewis Hamilton was forced out of the final race of the season, the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, by a problem with his right rear brake after 20 laps.

It's been an incredible year and now I can't wait for next season to start so I can fight for the world championship again McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton

But he had dominated qualifying in Abu Dhabi and the 40 points he won during the last eight races, on his way to finishing fifth in the drivers' title race, were more than any other driver.

"The race was a disappointing end to a challenging season, but overall there are plenty of reasons to be cheerful about it," he said.

"The team has worked tremendously hard all year to improve the car, which started as one of the slowest, but ended it with two fine wins and a string of impressive points-scoring finishes.

606: DEBATE Do you think McLaren will be faster in 2010

"The fact we beat Ferrari to third place is also a matter of pride to us, and I want to pay tribute to all at the team for the superhuman efforts they made in achieving that milestone."

Whitmarsh added there was "every reason" for McLaren to be confident they will be able to significantly improve their car by the start of next season.

And despite his frustrating end to the campaign, Hamilton believes McLaren are well-placed for next year.

"Of course, it's a shame we couldn't show the performance we'd had throughout the weekend, but sometimes that's racing," said Hamilton.

"However, I think we can be really proud of our efforts. Who'd have thought we'd finish third in the constructors' championship at the start of this season?

"It's been an incredible year and now I can't wait for next season to start so I can fight for the world championship again."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version