Nurburgring debut planned for MP4-18

The car had its first run in testing at Paul Ricard last week, although its running was limited by a number of technical glitches. Whitmarsh has targeted the race at the Nurburgring in Germany to race the car for the first time, but admitted that a final decision would not be made until closer to the date.

When asked whether McLaren was aiming to debut the car at the Nurburgring Whitmarsh told the BBC Five Live radio station: "It's not in my mind a secret that we would like to introduce it there. I think it's realistic and feasible, but it's early days yet.

"There is a target to go racing at the European Grand Prix but we will manage the risk by making the decision nearer the date."

Whitmarsh affirmed that the whole McLaren team is convinced of the potential of the new car. "Everyone involved in it really believes in it at the moment," he said, "In terms of technical risk I think it's greater than I've ever seen incorporated in the last 15 McLaren cars.

"Everyone has squeezed their heads and put every thought and idea they could into this project. I don't think anyone doubts that the car will be quick. But I also think there's an intuitive buzz in the company when they look at how extreme the car is and how expensive it looks."