Fifteen new high technology machine tools supplied by Worcesterbased Yamazaki Mazak U.K. are playing a major role inmanufacturing high precision components for the Team McLarenMercedes MP4-19 race car currently competing in the FIA Formula 1World Championship. Badgeworth Drive, Worcester based Mazak hasbeen the official machine tool supplier to the team since 1997when their machining and turning centres were installed inMcLaren Racing's machine shop in Woking.

Now, with theMcLaren Group having re-located to its state-of-the-art McLarenTechnology Centre, 15 new Mazak machines are engaged around theclock in manufacturing precision components for gearboxes,steering assemblies, suspensions and transmissions for the latest225mph race car.

The strength of the relationship between thesetwo leading technology based organisations is such that at MACH2004, alongside the nine Mazak machine tools on show was a TeamMcLaren Mercedes Formula 1 racing car.

The latest Mazak 5-axis,multi-function machine tools in operation at the high technologymachine shop are capable of machining high precision componentsfrom castings or metal billets in a single operation, resultingin significantly faster turn-around's in the high pressureworld of Grand Prix racing.

The machine shop where the Mazakmachine tools operate has a constant temperature control.

All themachine tools and ancillary equipment such as tool cabinets arecolour co-ordinated.

Even the tiled floor is off-white,presenting a striking contrast to the 'typical' imageof a machine shop.

'Speed of response alongside the veryhighest standards of precision are all important in Formula 1 andMcLaren's decision to work with Mazak says a lot for thequality and reliability of our machine tools,' explains TonySaunders, sales director for Yamazaki Mazak U.K.

'In manyrespects our machine tools are at the cutting edge of technologyand it is a great compliment that a world class organisation suchas McLaren feels we meet their tremendously exactingstandards,' he adds.

'Parts for Formula 1 racing carsare increasingly complex in shape and the latest Mazak 5-axismachine tools lend themselves perfectly to manufacturingcomponents of this nature.' Team McLaren Mercedes'Formula 1 racing cars are next in action on Sunday 25th Aprilwhen they race in the first European leg of the Formula Onecalendar at the Imola circuit in San Marino, Italy.

Team McLarenMercedes Kimi Raikkonen, who finished second at Imola lastseason, will be looking to go one better at what is considered tobe Ferrari's 'home' circuit.

1) Mazak is theworld's foremost designer and manufacturer of machine tools.In Worcester - where it employs 400 personnel - Mazak operatesits european manufacturing facility as well as its UK sales andservice operations.

There are also manufacturing facilities inJapan, the USA, China and Singapore in addition to an extensiveworldwide sales, distribution, service and support network.

2)About McLaren: McLaren Racing, the company behind the TeamMcLaren Mercedes Formula One team, was formed in September 1980as a result of a merger between Team McLaren and Project Four; aBritish company owned by Ron Dennis, now Chairman and C.E.O.

ofthe McLaren Group.

McLaren has won eleven Formula One WorldDrivers' Championships - including the 1998 and 1999 WorldDrivers' Championships - and eight Formula One WorldConstructors' Championships.