Delighted Alesi Completes McLaren Test

Frenchman Jean Alesi was delighted after completing a three-day test for the McLaren team at the Paul Ricard circuit in France.

The veteran driver retired from Formula One at the end of last season after competing in 201 Grands Prix, and was asked earlier this year to return to the wheel of an F1 car by the Mercedes-powered squad.

Alesi took to the wheel of an MP4-16B, an updated version of last year's McLaren, completing a total of 224 laps of the 5.8km track, with work focusing on tyre development for French manufacturer Michelin.

"It means a lot to me that after thirteen years in Formula One I have had the opportunity to drive a McLaren Mercedes car," said Alesi. "Throughout my driving career, McLaren has always made impressive cars and been the team to beat, so it has been a big week for me.

"We have had a positive few days following a scheduled programme and I have enjoyed working with the West McLaren Mercedes team. It was a very professional and friendly environment and we have worked hard, illustrated by the distance and number of laps covered in the wet weather. I am now looking forward to the start of the DTM season and concentrating on racing for Mercedes-Benz in the DTM Championship."

The team were happy with the Frenchman's work over the three days of the test. Alesi will now make his DTM racing debut with Mercedes-Benz on 21st April 2002 at the Hockenheim circuit in Germany.

"Jean did an excellent job during the three days of testing in difficult conditions especially during the first two days," said Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug. "With his contribution to the tyre evaluation programme he provided us with a lot of useful data. He was very busy doing 1,300 kms - more than four Grand Prix distances in three days.

"Jean is now focusing on his continuing DTM test programme with the next test taking place at Le Castellet already on 9 and 10 March prior to his DTM debut in the Mercedes-Benz CLK-DTM at Hockenheim."