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McLaren AUTOSPORT BRDC Award winner Matt Parry completes F1 test

Matt Parry described his prize McLaren Formula 1 test as a "phenomenal" experience after completing his running at Silverstone on Monday

The 2013 McLaren AUTOSPORT BRDC Award winner carried out a trio of five-lap runs in the McLaren MP4-26 Jenson Button drove to victory in the 2011 Canadian Grand Prix.

Parry, whose Award triumph came at the end of a title-winning Formula Renault Northern European Cup campaign, has tested Formula Renault 3.5 and Formula 3 machinery but admitted nothing compared to his maiden F1 outing.

"Phenomenal is the only word I can think of at the moment to describe it," the FR Eurocup podium finisher said. "It's hard to describe how fast it is; I've never driven anything remotely close to the speed. Every gear is just another power band.

"I wasn't scared but a bit nervous to start with, then I started enjoying it later on. I got all my laps in, I think I did a good job and the car's back in one piece.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank McLaren and everyone involved for this major opportunity. I'm kind of gutted I can't do this again next year!"

Parry's test was delayed initially due to a telemetry issue and he also suffered a minor radio problem prior to his final run.

Despite those issues, McLaren test team manager Indy Lall said he was impressed by how the 20-year-old acquitted himself.

"He did a super job," Lall told AUTOSPORT. "Initially on track the telemetry wasn't working and we wanted it to be safe for him. He was not fazed at all. Totally calm, he just got on with it.

"Matt did exactly what we asked of him. He's a very likeable lad and seeing how happy he was and his family's reaction was satisfaction for us.

"He's taken a lot from it and that's fulfilment on our side."

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