Whitmarsh admits third car plan

The team, which finished fifth in the 2004 constructors' championship (it's lowest position in 22 years), is eligible to run a third car on the Friday test day of a grand prix. And because of new regulations limiting the amount of tyres and engines a team can use through the season, Whitmarsh says the team intends to capitalise on the loophole.

There has been speculation over the winter that the clause, which precludes the top four teams in the previous year's championship from opting for Friday testing, may be closed. The regulation was never intended for the benefit of a 'grandee' team, but as it stands McLaren are entitled to run a third car at all 19 GPs.

"At the moment we are eligible and we will very much be using it," said Whitmarsh. "I see it as a reasonable performance advantage. Given the engine and tyre regulations, we intend to exploit it to a wide extent and we have in Alex Wurz and Perdo de le Rosa two very experienced test drivers."

"There are obvious benefits to be gained as the third driver can do tyre comparison and chassis setup work without worrying about engine miles. In theory that means that the other drivers don't have to run as many miles as those in other leading teams. A third car will help us.

"If you've got a third car that falls outside those limitations of mileage and number of tyres, it's a nice thing to have."

It is likely that Wurz and de la Rosa could share the role in four-race slots, so that continuity can be maintained during the development process, although no decision has been made officially. "We'll have an experienced driver piloting the car," said Whitmarsh. "You've got to have someone who's an integral part of your development programme."