McLaren supplying LCD readout to rival teams

Feb.10 (GMM) McLaren is supplying a standard LCD steering wheel display to fellow formula one teams in 2014.

The new display, part of the package provided by the Woking based company's technology subsidiary for the McLaren-supplied mandatory electronic control unit (ECU), could be seen fitted to cars including the Mercedes and Ferrari at Jerez recently.

Use of the multi-function display, however, featuring the gear-shift warning lights and graphical data for the drivers, is not mandatory, and it is believed world champions Red Bull will continue to use their own layout this year.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport said the new 13cm display is called PCU-8D.

"It's all very different," Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg is quoted as saying. "Almost like a smartphone."