Successful first outing for McLaren's MP4-23 training at Jerez
It was a day of firsts for McLaren at Jerez on Wednesday as the newly unveiled MP4-23 made its debut alongside the team's newest driver Heikki Kovalainen.
McLaren launched the MP4-23 earlier this week and the car successfully came through its first outing on Wednesday, with both Kovalainen and test driver Pedro de la Rosa putting it through its paces.
Kovalainen, who replaces Fernando Alonso at McLaren this season, was impressed with the early form shown by the team's 2008 challenger.
"It was really great to get on track today with the MP4-23. It was my first session as a McLaren driver," the Finn said.
"I always really enjoy the first day a new car runs, there is always a very unique atmosphere, you know a little bit tense, a little bit excited.
"The first impressions of the new car are good. We have a comprehensive development schedule to work through over the next couple of months. The car's performance today is definitely an encouraging starting point.
"Today was also my first real opportunity to meet the test team, which was good because we will be spending a lot of time together over the next few weeks!"
However, it was test driver de la Rosa who had the honour of putting in the first laps in the new car. The Spaniard was also the quicker of the two drivers, clocking a 1:19.655.
"We covered 69 laps in total today between Heikki and me, which is a good start. The car felt positive and it has been an encouraging day," he said.
"This is the second time I have had the opportunity to make the track debut with our new car, it is also the eighth car I have driven for the team.
"It is great for me to be in the car from the very beginning, as I am able to instantly build up an understanding of the car and how it works, and then start to put this knowledge into the testing programme.
"This time of the season, from when a new car is launched until the first race, is probably the busiest time of the year for the test team.
"We have 18 track days scheduled, including today, before the MP4-23s leave for Australia and a lot of work to complete in that time, but the motivation is huge with all the guys here."
Times
1. De la Rosa 1:19.655
2. Kovalainen 1:20.559
Related Links: McLaren Test Gallery
