Raikkonen Gets First Taste of New McLaren

Championship leader Kimi Raikkonen got his first taste of the new McLaren MP4-18 today at the Barcelona circuit in Spain.

The car, which was debuted by test driver Alexander Wurz at the Paul Ricard circuit prior to the Monaco Grand Prix, yesterday began a four-day test at the Spanish circuit, where team boss Ron Dennis said the car will show its true potential.

Raikkonen, who leads the Championship by four points over Ferrari's Michael Schumacher, was pleased with the new car, although no times were issued by the team.

"I really enjoyed my first test of the MP4-18 today and the car feels good," said Raikkonen, "We managed to do a number of laps and obviously I'm learning about the car all the time. Every time I went out it got better and better and I look forward to continuing the work tomorrow."

Raikkonen will continue testing the new McLaren tomorrow. The Finn will be joined by teammate David Coulthard, who will drive the car for the first time.