McLaren Won't Rush New Car Introduction

McLaren-Mercedes insisted today that they have not yet set a date to test their new MP4-18 car after rumours that it would test immediately after next weekend's Austrian Grand Prix.

The team have admitted they have more time than originally planned to hone the latest design after the impressive early season performances from the MP4-17D modified from last season's car. The initial race debut target has been set for the Canadian Grand Prix in June and a spokesperson for the team said: "We have not yet set a specific date to start the testing of the new MP4-18 car."

It is understood that the team are waiting for all spares to be completed before beginning testing so that any development programmes are not interrupted by non-fixable stoppages. McLaren shot into the World Championship lead in the opening rounds of this season's Championship after Scot David Coulthard won the season-opening race in Australia and Finn Kimi Raikkonen followed that up with victory in Malaysia.

Raikkonen claimed another two second places in the following races in Brazil and San Marino as Ferrari fought to come back from a disappointing start which had seen them claim only one podium place in the first three races. But Michael Schumacher's two victories for Ferrari in the most recent two races have helped the Italian giants close to within three points of the World Championship lead.

It is understood that Coulthard is very keen for the team to speed up the introduction of their new car so he and Raikkonen can continue to take the fight to Ferrari. One team insider has confirmed that there are "several" chassis already built for the MP4-18 and they are being fitted with parts at the factory in Woking ahead of an imminent expected debut.