McLaren-Honda reports a clean day of running... finally!

40

McLaren-Honda was spared any major drama on Wednesday, enjoying a clean day of running with Fernando Alonso behind the wheel.

The third session of the week followed twi first days plagued by issues with Honda's power unit, two of which have been changed since Monday.

"Today has been a much more successful day, and we’re happy that we’ve been able to execute our testing programme proper with a full day of running," said racing director Eric Boullier.

"I’m pleased to report that there were no major issues, and the team completed our planned run programme for the day. "

Boullier added that despite their impact on the team's programme this week, the problems associated with Honda's engine were not of major importance.

"We’re confident that the issues we’ve experienced so far are glitches and part of the usual challenges faced in testing.

"The problems on Monday and Tuesday meant we lost valuable track time, which means glitches that occur in day one can then spread into day three, simply because of the lack of mileage."

McLaren and Honda play down latest rift reports

The Frenchman underlined the need for mileage but insisted a minimum threshhold of validation shall be achieved.

"The more we run, the more we learn, and, naturally, the more there is potential for issues to be discovered that we need to fix. However, there is a minimum mileage figure that we can do that allows us enough data to understand the car and how to set it up, and from there we can move forward.

“While we shouldn’t get carried away, today’s running has provided the team with a boost after a tricky couple of days, and I hope we continue collecting more mileage and data tomorrow to end the first week."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.