Alonso unexpectedly testing for McLaren today
Quote selected text Published December 15th, 2006 in Main
Double world champion Fernando Alonso made a surprise test debut for McLaren on Friday, turning up at the Jerez circuit in southern Spain for the final session of the year after asking Renault for an early release.
The 25-year-old Spaniard wore unbranded overalls as he stepped into the unmarked car for his first run.
Alonso remains under contract to Formula One champions Renault until the end of the year and had not been expected to start testing with his new Mercedes-powered team until January.
Although McLaren had hoped for an early release, Renault team boss Flavio Briatore was quoted earlier in the week saying there had been no formal request and suggesting Alonso should instead enjoy his break.
However he explained on Friday that he had relented.
“Fernando asked me to test one day with his new team to acclimatise himself to the car,” he told the team Web site.
“We enjoy a very good relationship and considering his work and his fabulous achievements these past two years with the double world titles in 2005 and 2006, we decided to give him this opportunity.”
- Alonso ‘getting close’ to Second World Championship
- Uncertainty at Renault made Alonso switch to McLaren
- Briatore unwilling to release Alonso from Renault early
- McLaren design 2007 car for Alonso
- Formula 1 Monza Testing Day 3
No Responses to “Alonso unexpectedly testing for McLaren today”
Please Wait
Leave a Reply