McLaren eyes post-Abu Dhabi GP test for 2015 Honda F1 engine
McLaren is considering testing with a Honda-powered car during Formula 1's final post-race test in Abu Dhabi in November
The return of testing this year means that in theory McLaren can give a first try out to its new Japanese engine partner before the first pre-season test of 2015, as there is no restriction on the engine it can use for 2014's tests.
However, with the team under contract to Mercedes until the end of the season, such a move has been ruled out for the post-British Grand Prix test in July.
Speaking at the Spanish GP on Saturday, McLaren's racing director Eric Boullier confirmed that consideration was being given to using a Honda power unit in the two-day test that takes places after the season finale in Abu Dhabi though.
"We have thought about it," he said. "Actually we are currently running a Mercedes engine until Abu Dhabi so we will not run anything else.
"But we have thought to maybe try the car afterwards."
Honda is returning to grand prix racing in 2015 as exclusive technical partner to McLaren, but the sport's restrictions mean it is not allowed to test its new engine outside of any authorised F1 running.
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