Fernando Alonso was in a positive mood come the conclusion of the Austrian in-season test, with the Spaniard completing 104 trouble-free laps to bring McLaren’s total over the two days to 180.
The team, along with engine partner Honda, haven’t enjoyed the best reliability in the opening eight races of the season, with Alonso recording just two race finishes.
However the McLaren driver, who declared himself ” pretty happy”, is hopeful that the data collected over the two days will help the team move forward.
“Today was a positive day,” he said. “The most important thing was to put some laps on the car after the problems we’ve had in the last couple of races.
“We managed to complete more than 100 laps, and, together with Stoffel [Vandoorne’s] laps yesterday, I think we finished the test with some good information.
“Now, we need to go back to the factory and analyse everything, but we definitely have a lot of data to go forward with.
“I’m pretty happy with how the test has gone.”
The team’s test programme was almost scrapped after Alonso’s opening lap crash during the Austrian Grand Prix damaged the majority of their upgrades, however at the last minute new parts were flown in, allowing them to conduct aerodynamic testing.
“Our aim after yesterday’s test was to continue the positive momentum into today, and we have definitely managed that,” explained team manager Dave Redding.
“The morning session began with data and system set-up checks followed by aero correlation tests, which included fitting the new shorter nose. The afternoon session was dedicated to further aero testing of a range of new bodywork components, tyre assessment, and further power unit functionality tests.
“Overall, we were able to make the most of the good weather and dry track conditions to complete solid sections of the test programme to our satisfaction. Both days of the test have been productive – and most importantly, reliable – and we are now armed with lots of valuable data and useful feedback from both drivers, that we can take away and analyse in preparation for the next two races before the summer break.”
