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How Ron Dennis transformed McLaren

After the grease and grit of their earlier years, McLaren began to take on a slick new look. Under meticulous management by Ron Dennis, attention to detail and merciless ambition would reap seriously lucrative rewards, says DAMIEN SMITH

Ron Dennis wasn't the first team owner to care about how his racing cars and team transporter were presented. But back in 1971, when he was taking the first steps towards controlling his own destiny, his fledgling team immediately stood out from a motley crowd that tended towards earthy dishevelment.

Professional sheen was rarely a priority in Formula 2, but it mattered to this oddly pedantic 23-year old.

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