McLaren to take new wing to Spanish GP

The new flap, which is mounted over the nose between the front wing endplates, delivered encouraging results during testing at Barcelona in Spain this week - and the team hope it will play a part in allowing them to beat Ferrari next weekend.

After days of speculation about whether the wing would be used for the Spanish GP, McLaren F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh said: "There is a continuous programme of aerodynamic development on the MP4-22, and during the Barcelona test this week, we had a more obvious one with a high mounted flap on the front wing assembly.

"It is something that has been developed over the last few months within the team. We were pleased with the results of that test and consequentially it will be one of the options available to our drivers during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend."

Title contenders McLaren and Ferrari have been working hard during the four-week break between races to improve their cars, and world champion Fernando Alonso thinks that effort is going to have to continue all year if they are to triumph.

"Ferrari should be our main opponent and I see a very interesting season in front of us," he said. "I think with no opportunity for any of us to really open a gap and win the championship in a relaxed way.

"I think this is impossible this year and we will see a very close fight all through the season, which will be great for the sport."