Gary Paffett Will Test MP4-25 in Valencia

With Spanish driver Pedro de la Rosa leaving the McLaren Mercedes organization for a racing spot at Sauber F1, the Woking based team needed to find a quick replacement for the veteran in the test/reserve role. And that was because the reserve driver was scheduled to conduct the first session of testing of the MP4-25 in Valencia, first thing next week.

Recently, the British outfit confirmed that Gary Paffett will take De la Rosa's role within the McLaren team, starting the very Valencia session.

According to the official statement of the team, it seems Paffett will take the wheel of the 2010 challenger during February 1st, with Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button due to continue the testing of the car during the upcoming 2 days – Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. However, Paffett will resume his programme with Mercedes in the DTM series, where he currently drives an AMG Mercedes C-Klasse for the company's works team.

“Obviously, Pedro's decision to sign with Sauber will have a slight impact on our test programme, but we'll overcome it,” said the team's principal Martin Whitmarsh, who also wished the Spaniard all the best with his new team.

As revealed by some media a few days ago – via the McLaren website – the launch of the MP4-25 will take place at their title sponsor Vodafone's headquarters in Newbury, UK. It will happen on the early hours of January 29, after which the car will be sent to the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia for the first test of the off-season.

One team already presented its car livery for the 2010 season, namely rivals Mercedes GP. However, the livery was shown on the 2009 car, as the new challenger will first see daylight at the Valencia circuit next week.