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Kevin Magnussen has been confirmed as the second McLaren-Mercedes driver for the 2014 Formula One season.
The 21-year-old Danish will line-up alongside Jenson Button on the race track. Magnussen recently won the World Series in an impressive manner, which was a major factor in his appointment.
The young Norwegian could not hide his delight at the appointment as he said: “I’m absolutely overjoyed to be making my Formula 1 debut with McLaren.”
“I’ll put it simply: this team is the best. It’s been my dream to drive for McLaren ever since I was a small kid, and it’s no exaggeration to say that I’ve dedicated almost every day of my life to achieving the goal of becoming a McLaren Formula 1 driver.”
“I have an enormous amount of respect for everyone at McLaren, and I want to say a massive ‘thank you’ to everyone, but most of all to Martin and his senior colleagues, for giving me this chance. I won’t let you down, guys!” he added.
“Equally, in Jenson, I have absolutely the ideal team-mate. He’s extremely quick, obviously, but he’s also very experienced and superbly capable from a technical perspective. He’s a Formula 1 world champion, which is what one day I also hope to become, and I’m determined to learn as much as I can from him.” he concluded.
McLaren-Mercedes Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh was pleased with the appointment as he claimed: “We’re delighted that Kevin will be joining Jenson as a McLaren Formula 1 race driver for 2014.”
“Their confirmation is an important step for us as we continue to strengthen our organisation ahead of the 2014 season.”
“Next year, we’ll witness the biggest raft of technical changes to Formula 1 in many years, and every team and manufacturer will be pushed to the limit as they try their best to adapt to those new challenges.” he said.
When asked about Magnussen, he said: “Kevin, too, is clearly very talented and very determined, and we therefore have high hopes for him. Moreover, every time he’s tested our Formula 1 car, he’s been very quick and very methodical, and his feedback has been first-class.”
“Furthermore, the manner in which he won this year’s World Series by Renault 3.5 Championship was truly outstanding, showcasing as it did not only his impressive natural pace but also his increasing maturity and ability to structure and manage a championship campaign.”
As for Sergio Perez, Martin Whitmarsh had the following words: “Last but very far from least, I want to take this opportunity to thank Checo, who has developed well during a difficult season, as his recent run of points-scoring finishes underlines.” he added.
“He’s a lovely guy and a fine driver – fast and combative – and I’m sure he’ll build on that firm foundation in 2014.”
“All at McLaren wish him well for the future.” he concluded.
