McLaren enjoys smooth filming day after testing woes

© XPB 

McLaren managed to make up for some lost time by carrying out a filming day on Friday at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The team had enjoyed a strong start to the week but the final two days of pre-season testing yielded just 54 laps, with only three being possible on Thursday due to a coolant leak.

Filming days were always part of the original plan this weekend - as McLaren had done last season - and on Friday the team was able to get some much-needed running completed. With the coolant leak fixed on Thursday evening, the car was ready for filming from 9am and continued until darkness fell at the circuit.

Both Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso spent time in the car on Friday, and a team source confirmed there were "no issues with the running at all throughout the day".

Teams are limited to no more than 100km on a filming day - known as a promotional event - which must take place on special Pirelli tyres specifically for that purpose.

McLaren explains 'relatively minor' cause of final day problem

A closer look at the McLaren MP4-31

GALLERY: Pre-season testing

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