Lehdistötiedotteet - Press Conference: McLaren announces drivers for Season 9

Press Conference: McLaren announces drivers for Season 9

McLaren announces drivers for first MRC-F1 season - we take a look at the press conference

Hello everyone and welcome to our press conference. Today is a big day for our team as we are about to present our pilots for our debut season. On the podium today we have our team manager Invictus and our two drivers Ivaan Szabo (argo001) from Hungary and Mārcis Jr. Freiverts (SDiabolical) from Latvia. Ivaan Szabo, 23 years old, won F2 South American Series in Season 7, participated in last years Champions Trophy and is currently 6th in the F2 World Series and number 23 in the world. Mārcis Jr. Freiverts, 22 years old, was the winner of Indy Junior International Series in Season 7 and is currently 8th in Indy Series and number 50 in the world.

So let’s hear from our manager.

“Invictus, could you tell us why you chose to work with Szabo and Freiverts?”

Invictus: First of all i’d like to say that we are delighted to welcome these two talented young drivers to our team. And to answer your question: This was one of the reasons we decided to offer a contract to them. They are both very fast and talented. They have shown in Indy Series and in F2 World Series that they have the talent to be world class drivers and we think that they will be even better the next year. Additionally they are great guys and negotiations went very smoothly. We are really looking forward to working with them.

“What are the teams goals for the first season?”

Invictus: While we are definitely one of the teams with a smaller budget i think we made the most out of it. So we’ll see, getting points on a regular basis should be possible, maybe a few podiums as well. We are very confident in the pace of our car and the talent of our drivers.

Let’s get to the drivers next.

"Mārcis and Ivaan, how does it feel to drive in Formula 1 next season?"

Mārcis Jr. Freiverts: I am ecstatic to be able to drive in F1 as soon as 23 years old. Some will criticize the decision to have a seat for that young driver, but I am confident in my abilities to score points and help team every way I can.

Ivaan Szabo: It's like a dream come true. I have the opportunity to test myself against the best drivers. I'm very excited and I'm looking forward to the next season's competition.

"What is special about driving for McLaren?"

Mārcis Jr. Freiverts: I have never been a fan of a certain team, but rather for drivers. I liked to watch Mika Hakkinen and Kimi Raikkonen drive for McLaren.

Ivaan Szabo: This team has a great history. It is a special feeling to drive for Mclaren, because famous drivers like Senna, Prost, Häkkinen or Lauda did the same. This team has a special knowledge of how to win a championship. It appeals to me.

"What are your goals for next season?"

Mārcis Jr. Freiverts: My goal is to score points foremost and impressing MRC F1 world to have a healthy F1 career. Afterwards, trying to win championship of course.

Ivaan Szabo: Well basically we know our possibilities and we have plans for building a successful team next year. This might takes time, but first we have to strengthen our construction, both the car and the team. We are planning definiately long term. I want to do my best and score as many points as possible.

"Would you like to add something?"

Mārcis Jr. Freiverts: I must thank to McLaren team owners to have trust in me and offer a chance to drive in F1 in such young age. I will do everything to not disappoint the trust I have been given. Let the motor rumble!

Ivaan Szabo: Mclaren is not too successful nowadays. Let the history reborn!

So this ties up our press conference. I hope you enjoyed it and we’ll see you again soon.