McLaren misses Silverstone test

McLaren had planned for several hundred guests to attend the four-day Silverstone test that starts today (Tuesday), but instead chose to switch its entire programme to Jerez in Spain.

"Obviously there would be advantages in testing the new car at Silverstone," McLaren's managing director Martin Whitmarsh told Autocar. "But we've had to weigh up the benefits of the restricted hours we can run there and the possibility of poor weather, against the likelihood of better conditions in Spain where we can run the cars from dawn until dusk.

"It's obviously unfortunate for our guests, but sponsors understand that our main priority is trying to win the world championship, and our strategy is clearly geared towards achieving that aim," he added.

Two MP4-18As are expected to test at Jerez, alongside an MP4-17D. McLaren will use this week's test to decide whether the car will be introduced at the next race, the European GP at the Nurburgring, or the following races at Magny-Cours and Silverstone.