A day after Ferrari launched their 2007 car, McLaren took to the streets of Valencia to showcase their new car, the McLaren Mercedes MP4-22. With reigning world champion Fernando Alonso onboard, the first car proudly display the number one, not seen on a McLaren built car since Mika Hakkinen took his last title in 1999. Partnered with Alonso will be young up-and-coming driver and protege of the McLaren driver development programme Lewis Hamilton. Remaining with the team as test drivers are Pedro De La Rosa and Gary Paffett.

Vodafone take a prominent display on the car as they become the teams primary sponsor. The team have also remined the chrome-effect look of the car, which caused a stir last year when it was launched.

McLaren will shake the car down on Wednesday at the Valencia circuit before commencing their hectic pre-season tests in preparation for the firest race of the 2007 calendar in Melbourne in March.

Formula One, F1, McLaren, Mercedes, Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton