McLaren-Honda expected sluggish debut

Stoffel Vandoorne has the privilege at the Abu Dhabi tests to take the wheel of the MP24-29H/1X1, a version designed to accommodate Honda's Power Unit. The Belgian only went out on track this afternoon after being blocked by electronic problems in the morning. Problems with the exchange of fuel data limited his driving to three laps, with the GP2 Series vice-champion forced to stop on the track.

“Start a new F1 is a very complicated procedure. Sakura departments, Milton Keynes et Woking learn to work together on the circuit", commented Éric Boullier, Team Principal of the British team. “We had some problems this morning, but it's still satisfying to see the engine start and do several laps this afternoon. »

The Frenchman's comments are also confirmed by Yasuhisa Arai, the sporting director of Honda Research and Development. “This week of testing is just to test the fundamental systems in preparation for the February tests. I saw in Jerez at the start of the year that the teams were encountering many problems with these Power Units and we want to check everything for 2015. The engine used today is still under development. »

Stoffel Vandoorne kept smiling even if the young McLaren driver had to hope to complete more laps at the wheel of this car of tests. The Belgian should, however, still be active on the second day. “I am very proud to wear this legendary “H” logo on my equipment. McLaren-Honda existed only in legend for me until now. We were hoping to do a few more laps but these problems made us stop a few times. But the team is doing its analyzes and it should be resolved tomorrow. This day is still positive for us. At this stage, every completed lap is beneficial and it is always better to resolve these issues in November than in February in Jerez. We haven't used the engine at full power yet and it's still difficult to get an idea of ​​it, but it all still seems very promising. »