As part of the team's 2003 strategy, Team McLaren Mercedes will start the new campaign with the MP4-17D, a significantly developed version of the 2002 car, before introducing the MP4-18 during the European season.

McLaren Mercedes Celebrate a Winning Start To 2003

MELBOURNE, Australia - 9 March. Team McLaren Mercedes driver David Coulthard secured his 13th career victory at the inaugural event of the 2003 FIA Formula One World Championship, the Australian Grand Prix. Teammate Kimi Raikkonen finished the eventful race, which was affected by changeable track conditions in the early stages and a number of safety car deployments, in third position.

The victory sees David lead the Drivers' World Championship with 10 points, Kimi lies in third with six points. Team McLaren Mercedes heads the Constructors' table with 16 points. The team is testing in Jerez this week with third driver Alexander Wurz in preparation for the Malaysian Grand Prix on the 23rd March.

Story by TAG McLaren Marketing