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Alonso braced for tricky start to pre-season testing

Fernando Alonso is preparing himself for a tricky start to his new McLaren career when the brand-new MP4-30 hits the track for the first time in Jerez on Sunday.

McLaren launched its new car on Thursday, which marks the return of Honda as an engine manufacturer and rekindles the partnership which won four constructors' titles in five years between 1988 and 1992. The Honda engine ran for the first time at the end of last season, but its first test was not without issue as McLaren struggled with electrical gremlins and registered just five laps in two days in Abu Dhabi.

Alonso will drive the new car for the first time in Jerez on Sunday but is keeping his expectations in check for the time being.

"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," he 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."

Alonso said the team is determined to get back to winning ways as soon as possible.

"Of course, we're prepared for a steep learning curve, but it's clear to see that inside McLaren-Honda there's total commitment, and a real change in feeling, as we start this new partnership. We're all focused on the challenge ahead, and I feel extremely honoured to be part of a relationship that has shared so much history together. My aim is to help write a new chapter in the history of McLaren-Honda. We understand the effort and teamwork required to take McLaren-Honda back to where it should be, at the front of the grid, and all our energy as a team is focused on that goal.

"Although the winter period is a time for rest and relaxation from racing, my motivation could not be stronger for the new season. I've done a lot of training during the winter break, to reach my peak physical fitness, and I've been working hard in preparation for this new era of McLaren-Honda. I've never felt better, or more ready for a new season.

"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."

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