McLaren racing director Eric Boullier is confident the team will complete much more mileage on the third day of testing at Jerez.
Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button managed just six laps each on the opening two days of the first pre-season test due to issues with the new Honda power unit. After a long spell in the garage late on day two, Button returned to the track late in the day after a heavy downpour and Boullier told F1i it was a lap which showed the team it has a car ready to run in anger.
"The last lap [yesterday], even if the track was wet, we were reassured that we have resolved the problem," Boullier said.
"When one problem was solved, another arose as a result, but now we think we have done the trick. Fernando will resume driving [today] to really start our program, but we are realistic and the car is so radical that we expected some problems at first. This is what pre-season testing is for.”
Alonso takes over driving duties on day three with Button set to close out the test for McLaren on Wednesday.
Follow Jerez testing live here
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
McLaren arrived in Bahrain for pre-season testing determined to defend its status as Formula 1’s…
Nico Hulkenberg has given F1 fans a vivid image to ponder ahead of the 2026…
Under the pale winter sun of Barcelona and the desert glare of Bahrain, George Russell…
Peter Gethin, the man who secured perhaps the most thrilling win ever witnessed in Grand…
Aston Martin engine supplier Honda has publicly conceded what the timing screens in Bahrain had…
As the countdown to 2026 gathers pace, Oscar Piastri has reshuffled his inner circle –…