Hamilton Concludes Maiden Test on McLaren MP4-24

Lewis Hamilton completed his first test with McLaren since the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix and revealed he was very pleased with the new car. Taking over from test driver Pedro de la Rosa, the reigning world champion took the new McLaren MP4-24 for a showdown and completed 81 laps. Despite having some engine problems in the morning session – he was forced to stop on track due to engine failure – Hamilton had only good words to say about his first testing experience this winter.

“It was good to be back working with the team - it felt like I'd hardly been away because it was easy to slip back into the routine. It's amazing to think that, while I've been to Woking throughout the winter, I haven't properly driven a Formula One car since the Brazilian Grand Prix two months ago, but everything very quickly felt normal today,” said Hamilton at the end of the day.

The British driver insisted that yesterday's session was not about setting the fastest time, but trying on the new car and get to know its behavior with the latest aerodynamic changes.

“This first test was all about just getting used to the new car and the new regulations and about giving my feedback to the engineers; it wasn't about setting a fast time. I'm pleased to report that the car feels good, we've made lots of progress over the winter and I'm looking forward to developing the car ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.”

“It's going to be an extremely busy winter. I've only been in the car for one day and our usual job list for the weeks ahead is already enormous. With the limitations on testing during the season, and the few sessions we have over the next two months, this is going to be an intense time and absolutely critical for every team,” added Hamilton.

This was the first and last testing day for Hamilton at Portimao, as teammate Heikki Kovalainen is expected to replace the Brit during Thursday's testing.