In announcing the launch of the MP4-14, West McLaren Mercedes hopes its new Grand Prix challenger can emulate the achievements of its predecessor which helped secure both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships of last season.

While regulation changes for 1999 are not as visibly dramatic as last year's introduction of grooved tyres and narrower chassis, the team has had to accommodate a number of technical and safety modifications in the design of the MP4-14. Because of the consequent affect on grip levels due to a fourth groove on front tires along with a width limitation of 270mm, the team's aerodynamic and design departments have been focusing on how to increase downforce in order to compensate for the inevitable loss of mechanical grip. Also, there has been emphasis placed on safety since the driver's seat now has to be removeable with the driver still in place.

There are eight further FIA safety changes which the team has incorporated into the design of the MP4-14: wheel uprights tethered to the monocoque at the front, the gearbox at the rear, via a high-strength polymer braid running through the wishbones; nosebox impact resistance increased by 17 per cent; inclusion of FIA-defined standardised fixings for driver's headrest; rear roll hoop provides greater clearance to driver's head; construction of fuel cells improved; inclusion of FIA pressure relief valve in water system to prevent use of high-pressure systems; neutral finder switch repositioned to ease access for stewards retrieving the car.

"The challenge in the 1999 season will be even greater than in 1998. There have been no significant changes to the regulations as far as the design of the car is concerned compared to the 1998 season. That's why it is expected that the competitors will be closer. In comparison to last year, our engine has been improved in terms of better performance, consumption, and weight. Concerning the MP4-14, I have no doubt that our partner McLaren has built an even better and faster race car than last year's winner," stated Norbert Haug, Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport.

Transmission McLaren longitudinal gearbox with semi-automatic operation. Control by TAG Electronic Systems. McLaren drive shafts and cv assemblies. Chassis McLaren moulded carbon fibre/aluminium honeycomb composite incorporating front, rear and side impact structures. Contains integral safety fuel cell. Suspension Front Suspension: Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pushrod and bellcrank with a double wishbone arrangement Rear Suspension: Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pushrod and bellcrank with a double wishbone arrangement Dampers: Penske Brakes AP Racing calipers Tyres Bridgestone Race Wheels Enkei Bodywork Construction: One-piece sidepod and engine cover. Separate floor section, structural nose with integral front wing, rear-wing assembly Fuels Mobil Unleaded Lubricants Mobil 1 engine oil Adhesives Loctite Electronics TAG Electronic Management System 2000 integrated engine and chassis control and data acquisition system. TAG Electronic Systems also supply the electronic dashboard, ignition coils, alternator voltage control, sensors, data analysis and telemetry systems. Radios Kenwood

1999 MERCEDES-BENZ FO110H V10 Engine Type: 72-degree V10 Capacity: 2998cc Valve arrangement 2 camshafts per bank, 4 valves per cylinder Cylinder Block: Cast aluminum alloy, wet liners Cylinder head: One-piece sand cast aluminum alloy Crankshaft: Steel Oil system: Dry sump Ignition: TAG 2000 Electronic System Spark Plugs: NGK