Today was the first run for the MP4-25, the McLaren team’s 2010 challenger, where the principal focus for the day was putting mileage on the new car. With long term test driver Gary Paffett behind the wheel for the whole day, the team completed 86 laps without any mechanical issues.

The day’s program started with a number of shorter five-lap runs to establish a benchmark for the day. Into the afternoon, the team were increasingly confident with the car’s reliability and conducted some longer runs, looking at a greater variety of set-up configurations.

Gary declared himself happy with the car’s balance and handling and tomorrow, regular driver Lewis Hamilton will pick up the programme, continuing the initial work and focusing on reliability and set-up.