Paffett backs late launch decision

McLaren reserve driver Gary Paffett says the team's decision to begin 2011 winter testing with its 2010 car was taken a long time ago, and underlined that it was not planned because work on the MP4-26 is running late

The team announced that its 2011 launch would not take place until a Berlin event on 4 February - the day after the opening test of the year ends. McLaren subsequently revealed that it would use a relatively standard 2010 chassis for the 1-3 February Valencia test, as it wanted to get a benchmark performance on the Pirelli tyres.

Paffett insisted that this had been McLaren's plan for many months.

"We looked at the testing and we decided very early on that we weren't going to take it to the first test - so it's not behind schedule, it's just not coming out at the first test, basically," he told AUTOSPORT.

"We're going to use the first test to use the Pirelli tyres with the old car. The guys know the old car, so if they can drive the old car with the Pirelli tyres, they can get an idea of the tyres on they're own. It's all on-track really."

Although the car used at Valencia will not feature any 2011 design parts, Paffett said it will be slightly modified to give an approximation of this year's adjusted regulations.

"I think we're going to try and simulate the downforce level that we're going to have [in 2011], which is obviously a little bit lower because of the double diffuser [being banned]," he explained. "It will be as close as we can get with the old car."

Paffett admitted he would only play a small role in pre-season testing again this year.

"I'm doing one day at Valencia, which is going to be with the old car, and the race drivers will be doing all the testing in the new car," he said.

"We have an aero test that I'm doing in the new car just to get the fit and everything right. But the testing is so limited that the race drivers need all the time in the car to get it to their liking."

shares
comments

Davidson: 2011 rules tough for drivers

Bahar: Lotus row can avoid court

The war reality that shines a light on the job Red Bull is doing

The war reality that shines a light on the job Red Bull is doing

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Jonathan Noble

The war reality that shines a light on the job Red Bull is doing The war reality that shines a light on the job Red Bull is doing

How Mercedes' new F1 upgrades fared - and what's next for the revitalised W14

How Mercedes' new F1 upgrades fared - and what's next for the revitalised W14

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Jake Boxall-Legge

How Mercedes' new F1 upgrades fared - and what's next for the revitalised W14 How Mercedes' new F1 upgrades fared - and what's next for the revitalised W14

Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate

Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Alex Kalinuackas

Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate

Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023

Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Jake Boxall-Legge

Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023 Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023

Why Alonso and Aston made the call that guaranteed Verstappen's Monaco victory

Why Alonso and Aston made the call that guaranteed Verstappen's Monaco victory

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Jake Boxall-Legge

Why Alonso and Aston made the call that guaranteed Verstappen's Monaco victory Why Alonso and Aston made the call that guaranteed Verstappen's Monaco victory

The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP

The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Alex Kalinauckas

The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP

What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset

What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Jonathan Noble

What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset

Would Hamilton really be a worthwhile F1 investment for Ferrari?

Would Hamilton really be a worthwhile F1 investment for Ferrari?

Plus
Plus
Formula 1
Monaco GP
Matt Kew

Would Hamilton really be a worthwhile F1 investment for Ferrari? Would Hamilton really be a worthwhile F1 investment for Ferrari?

Subscribe