Ricciardo happy with 'smooth' opening run with McLaren

©McLaren

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Daniel Ricciardo says his official debut with McLaren on Friday morning in Bahrain was a "smooth" affair that allowed him to get familiar with the Woking-based outfit's new car.

The Aussie topped the morning segment of the day, putting 45 trouble-free laps under his belt as team and driver worked to establish the Mercedes-powered MCL35M's baseline and balance.

"It was really good to get back out in the car for my first proper session with McLaren," Ricciardo said.

"I was able to push the car a little bit and get more familiar with it. It was a smooth morning, everything ran well and that’s all you can ask in testing – you want reliability on your side and the team back in Woking has done an awesome job of giving us a great start on day one.

"We got a good amount of runs and laps done, with a focus on getting more and more familiar and comfortable in the car.

"The plan for the next few days is similar, we’re aiming to leave here feeling ready to go for the Bahrain Grand Prix. Happy days!"

Bahrain pre-season testing: Day 1 in pictures

Despite the difficult conditions that prevailed in the afternoon, McLaren teammate Lando Norris confirmed the efficiency of the MCL35M's package as he recorded the second fastest lap of the day, just 0.212s behind the Red Bull of pace setter Max Verstappen.

"The second half of the day was very dusty and windy which made it tricky, so it wasn’t the easiest first day back in the car," said Norris.

"We spent the session going through our test programme, making sure there are no problems with the seat and that I’m comfortable in the car.

"We’ve got some things to work on from that side over the next couple of days. We’ll sit down and review everything this evening, but it’s been a solid first day.

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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.