The McLaren Formula 1 team have been given the go-ahead to debut their McLaren-Honda MP4-29H/1X1 at the Abu Dhabi test that starts tomorrow.
The team have already run the development car at a filming day at Silvertone last week to check the installation of the power unit together with other systems in the car. The feedback from the team and Honda seems positive and they’re both confident that they will be able to do more runs at the Abu Dhabi test.
Speaking to F1.com, McLaren team principal has this to say: “On Tuesday and Wednesday, here in Abu Dhabi, we’ll be testing our hybrid McLaren-Honda MP4-29H/1X1 for the first time.”
“It’s an exciting time for both McLaren and Honda, and for all who sail and will sail in the good ship McLaren-Honda. Ahead of us are many weeks of hard graft, but you may be well sure we’re up for the task.”
McLaren’s rookie test driver, Stoffel Vanddorne, will be at the wheel of the new car for both the testing days.
Here’s how the other teams will line up for the test:
Mercedes: Nico Rosberg/Pascal Wehrlein
Red Bull: Carlos Saintz Jr/ Daniel Ricciardo
Ferrari: Kimi Raikkonen/Raffaele Marciello
Williams: Valtteri Bottas/Felipe Nasr
McLaren: Stoffel Vandoorne
Lotus: Esteban Ocon/Charles Pic
Force India: Jolyon Palmer/Spike Goddard
Toro Rosso: Max Verstappen
Sauber: Marcus Ericsson
Caterham: Will Stevens