By Parminio
July 17 2003

It's been the thing that has driven McLaren fans mad so far this year. In the end, McLaren never thought they would be in a possition to win anything, but after the spectacular start to the season, hopes were very high. They still are for many McLaren fans, including myself...but the thing we want to know is: Will we ever see the MP4-18?

Personally, I have come to the conclusion that we will not. With target date after target date coming and going, and the amount of private testing that gives us no real clue as to what is going on, it just seems highly unlikely.

The fact that the 19 is already underway shoots a torpedo in the side of the 18's chances as well, as it must be nearly impossible to work on 3 cars at the same time. The MP4-17D has done more and raced better than any McLaren since 1999 in my opinion, and it's a shame we didn't have the car up to that standard last year, or Mike might still be looking for number 5.

We'll have to wait and see what happens, as usual, but with the target date now being Monza for the first appearance of the MP4-18, one wonders at that stage of the game...what's the point?