Zoom McLaren seemingly facing an uphill battle

McLaren Mercedes concluded their test programme this afternoon at Circuit de Catalunya with defending champion Lewis Hamilton back behind the wheel for the final day of running at the Spanish Grand Prix circuit.

The final day of the Barcelona test was spent focusing on mechanical set-up, developing MP4-24 and learning directions for improvement.

Hamilton was today eighth fastest of the 11 drivers on track, his best time just under two seconds off the ultimate pace and 11th fastest on the week. To underline the struggle McLaren face, team-mate Heikki Kovalainen was slowest of the 20 drivers this week, three seconds off Barrichello’s Thursday best.

The team now travels back to Jerez for the final pre-season test before heading to Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix.

E.A. © CAPSIS International