Mercedes' Allison looking to send Britain "nuts" with "dizzying challenge"

Mercedes chief technical officer James Allison is seeking to send Britain "nuts" by ending 170 years of pain as he again takes on what he describes as the "dizzying challenge" of the America's Cup.

Mercedes played a small role in last year's bid by INEOS Britannia that ultimately ended in defeat to Italian sailing team Luna Rossa in the Prada Cup, the forerunner to challenging Team New Zealand in the 36th America's Cup.

For the 37th version of the world's oldest competition, Mercedes is more heavily invested, with Allison combining his CTO role at the F1 team with the same position with INEOS Britannia.

“We had a small involvement in the team’s 36th America’s Cup campaign which whetted our appetite," said Allison on the ineosbritannia.com website.

"It was immediately clear to us that the America’s Cup is a very exciting, and very difficult challenge.

"Now we are one team, INEOS Britannia, with the team’s design base embedded in our Formula 1 HQ, and the clear goal to bring the America’s Cup back to Britain.

"We feel very lucky to be involved in this opportunity and we can’t wait for the challenge ahead. It’s a mouth-watering prospect.”

America's Cup win would be "enormous"

Describing that challenge as "dizzying", the obvious goal is to return the America's Cup to Britain that has never previously been achieved since the event first took place around the Isle of Wight in 1851.

“It would be an enormous deal if we brought the Cup back to Britain," said Allison.

"I’m very aware of Britain’s maritime history and I’m certain that if this team can muster what we need to get the competitive boat and get this Cup brought to Britain, the country will go nuts for it.

"From my perspective, it will feel fantastic because I can see already how tough it is and how hard it will be to get everything right on time.

"I’m thrilled by the prospect of playing my part and putting my shoulder to the wheel along with my colleagues. This will be a fantastic experience for all of us.”

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