McLaren Honda Test Car Makes its First Run in Abu Dhabi – Nov 26, 2014– Abu Dhabi , UAE (Techreleased) – Today, the McLaren Honda interim test car MP4-29H/1X1 made its debut run during the FIA official testing session at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. This test is intended to perform all systems checks, as well as installing IT infrastructure and connections.
- Comments by Yasuhisa Arai, Senior Managing Officer of Honda R&D Co., Ltd., Chief Officer of Motorsport:
“This week’s test is really all about performing some fundamental systems checks on the engine before we begin testing in earnest next February. When I was at Jerez earlier this year, I noticed just how many issues the teams faced in readying these engines, so we really wanted to get those initial checks under our belts before winter testing starts in 2015. The engine we used today is still under development – it’s not for the actual race – and we’re on schedule to develop it further ahead of the forthcoming season. There are a few more steps coming before Australia. We’re making good progress for the new season as one team.” - Comments by Eric Boullier, McLaren’s Racing Director:
“Running a modern Formula 1 car is a very complicated procedure – and this week’s test is all about how the departments at Sakura, Milton Keynes and Woking learn to integrate with the operational hub at the circuit. This test is an opportunity for us to build up that operational strength; to get McLaren and Honda working together under the same roof. We encountered a number of issues, including a lengthy check of electrical installations this morning, but it’s satisfying to see that we got the engine fired up, the car out of the garage, and some laps on the board.” - Comments by Stoffel Vandoorne, McLaren’s test and development driver:
“Firstly, I want to say that wearing Honda’s famous ‘H’ logo on the chest of my overalls and team kit makes me feel extremely proud. We’d hoped to get a few more laps under our belts today. But the team are already analyzing the situation and we’ll hopefully cure it ahead of tomorrow. The purpose of this test is to enable the engineers to deepen their knowledge of the McLaren and Honda collaboration. This is their first time working together at the track, and – operationally – it’s all a bit different. We’re still building up the power – we haven’t run the engine at full power yet – so it’s difficult to get a feeling for it, but it sounds absolutely fantastic!”
