….well it might as well have been.  If the world wanted evidence that F1 is taking cost cutting measures then look no further than todays McLaren launch of their 2009 contender. It’s a good looking car and if race wins were to be decided on looks of the cars then McLaren to have a contender for the Ferrari.

But going back to the way the car was launched – blimey – this image shows the car, on a stand after the drivers had taken off Ron Dennis’ duvet cover for the press to grab some shots.

Literally less than 100 people in a room in McLaren’s Oxfordshire base.  Why is this such a big deal – gordon bennet – check out 2007’s launch – the team hired out half of Valencia, had street presentations of the drivers, the cars and had some other crazy showbiz stuff with more lights and effects than you’d expect from Pink Floyd back in the day.

McLaren’s 2007 Launch