Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsMcLaren

McLaren expects testing issues with MP4-30

Fernando Alonso says he is prepared for issues during pre-season testing with the new McLaren MP4-30.

Testing in 2014 was blighted by reliability issues for all the teams as they got used to the complex new power unit regulations. With Honda returning to the sport this year - a move which team-mate Jenson Button says provides McLaren with "a huge challenge" - Alonso says he is aware having new power unit manufacturer could lead to another tough pre-season but he has confidence in the team's ability to develop the car quickly throughout the year.

“Our first target will be to learn the maximum from the car at the pre-season tests, understand the package, and extract as much performance as possible," Alonso said. "That won’t be easy or trouble-free, but we’re ready for that. Why? Because our key focus will be on development.

"Historically, McLaren has already been characterised by its ability to bring updates to the car quickly, and develop a strong package. It’s going to be a real privilege to be the first person to drive the new McLaren-Honda MP4-30 at Jerez, and I can’t wait to begin what I’m certain will be a very exciting new chapter in my career. I’m as motivated now as I was when I was given my first opportunity at the wheel of an F1 car.

“Last but not least, I’m excited to be sitting alongside Jenson [Button], a great team-mate and a very experienced competitor. Together we’ll push the team forward, to learn, to progress, and eventually to achieve the best possible results together. We are ready for the new era.”

Click here to see the full gallery of the first McLaren MP4-30 images

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Andrew Lewin

Andrew first became a fan of Formula 1 during the time when Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill were stepping into the limelight after the era of Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Aryton Senna. He's been addicted ever since, and has been writing about the sport now for nearly a quarter of a century for a number of online news sites. He's also written professionally about GP2 (now Formula 2), GP3, IndyCar, World Rally Championship, MotoGP and NASCAR. In his other professional life, Andrew is a freelance writer, social media consultant, web developer/programmer, and digital specialist in the fields of accessibility, usability, IA, online communities and public sector procurement. He worked for many years in magazine production at Bauer Media, and for over a decade he was part of the digital media team at the UK government's communications department. Born and raised in Essex, Andrew currently lives and works in south-west London.