Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Driver Wins the Australian Grand Prix

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton recently won the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne , the first race of the 2008 Formula 1 World Championship – and the fifth Grand Prix victory for Lewis. After 58 turbulent laps – 307.574 km – with only seven cars finishing the race, Lewis won with 5.4 seconds ahead of BMW Sauber's Nick Heidfeld. Lewis’ new teammate Heikki Kovalainen, who led for eight laps and ran second for 21 laps, came home fifth.

Lewis said, "I feel fantastic – what a dream start to the season and my championship challenge. I am sorry not to have Heikki with me on the podium, as a one-two would have been a great reward to the team. It was a super race, which I controlled from the beginning. I was able to drive at a steady pace without feeling any pressure, which is always the ideal situation when you are leading...."

With cutting edge computer technology and highly sophisticated IT systems becoming ever more crucial to Formula 1 success, SAP's advanced software has played a key role in the development of the V8 engine in the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes 2008 car, the MP4-23.

Modern Formula 1 motor racing is all about speed – and not just out on the track. Performance improvements are now measured in milliseconds, and development cycles are impossibly short in an environment where it is not uncommon for critical components to be completely redesigned, tested, and manufactured within the two weeks between races. It is especially important during this interim that qualified SAP Business All-in-One partner solutions provide Vodafone McLaren Mercedes with the edge to outperform the competition.

A long-time partner of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, SAP has been right at the heart of the team's world championship campaigns over the years. SAP and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes are looking forward to continued success. We are confident that determination, hard-work, and unwavering commitment to excellence will result in a strong performance for 2008 and beyond.

To get the inside track on Formula One racing and the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team, read the informative, monthly Racing Line Magazine.