Arrows Debut AMT Engine

The new AMT (Asian Motor Technologies) engine that will power the Arrows Formula One cars next season made its debut at the Valencia circuit, in Spain, this week.

The engine, which is based on this year's Peugeot unit, was fitted to an hybrid A21 chassis for the test, and Pedro de la Rosa was at the wheel.

The Spanish driver confessed he was really surprised with the early performance of the engine, despite suffering a problem during the session.

'I am quite surprised it worked so well,' said de la Rosa, who set a fastest time of 1:16.510. 'It’s too early to say how it compares on performance, but so far, so good.'

The McLaren team was also testing at Valencia, with Olivier Panis driving the Mercedes powered car.

The Frenchman, who will drive for BAR next season, broke the track record by more than two seconds, with a time of 1:13.500, after completing two race distances in preparation for next week's Malaysian Grand Prix.