McLaren confirms MP4-19B debut

CEO Ron Dennis and driver Kimi Raikkonen had wanted the new machine to race in the Canadian Grand Prix following its test debut at Silverstone earlier this month. But team boss Martin Whitmarsh vetoed the decision and opted for a further test at Jerez last week before making a decision.

The Spanish test was a success with test driver Alex Wurz topping the times on the first day and team-mate Pedro de la Rosa doing the same on day two. On the final two days the car featured no lower than fifth on the timesheets under the guidance of Raikkonen and team-mate David Coulthard.

This time Whitmarsh was satisfied it was ready to race. "Following its second encouraging test at Jerez last week and positive feedback from David, Kimi Alex (Wurx) and Pedro (de la Rosa), we have taken the decision to introduce MP4-19B at Magny Cours," he said.

"During the test we completed comprehensive chassis and engine proving programmes alongside France-specific set-up and tyre work. We believe that the outcome from both a performance and reliability perspective demonstrates that MP4-19B is a step in the right direction, which is why the decision to race the car has been made.

"The entire team is continuously working to improve our overall package and whilst the MP4-19B is a significant part of this process additional developments are already planned for the coming weeks and months."

Both Coulthard and Raikkonen have been encouraged by the new car and are relishing the prospect of actually racing the machine.

"I am looking forward to the French Grand Prix, partly because it is an event that I particularly enjoy, but primarily because we are using the MP4-19B for the first time," Coulthard said. "(Jerez) was my first opportunity to get behind the wheel and it was a constructive couple of days. I feel it is a positive move and I am looking forward to seeing how it goes this weekend."

Raikkonen added: "The (MP4-19B) has run well in testing and I hope that it will run as reliably in the race as it did at Jerez."