McLaren's Alonso first to put MCL33 through its paces

Fernando Alonso will have the privilege of rolling out the McLaren-Renault MCL33 when pre-season testing gets underway in Barcelona on February 26.

In two weeks, at the Circuit de Catalunya, the sun will rise on a new dawn for McLaren following three painful years of purgatory with former engine partner Honda.

McLaren and Alonso will be hoping for a relatively trouble-free first day of testing in Spain compared to last year's initial day which totaled just 29 laps.

• Formula 1's 2018 presentation calendar

McLaren team mate Stoffel Vandoorne, who enters his second season of Gran Prix racing, will takeover from Alonso on the second day of pre-season testing.

McLaren will officially unveil its 2018 challenger in Woking, on February 23.

While the team's spirit's have been rekindled thanks to its new partnership with Renault, McLaren racing director Eric Boullier won't put the cart before the horse.

"We need to make sure that there are no strong comments and we keep just one line: which is under-promise and over-deliver," said the Frenchman.

"That is the key."

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