McLaren's day 1 of testing at Jerez

Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett were behind the wheel of two MP4-20Bs, both with the Mercedes-Benz V8 engine, as Team McLaren Mercedes started its final test session of 2005 today in Spain at the circuit of Jerez.

Due to the cold ambient and track temperatures at the Circuito de Jerez, both drivers remained in their garages during the early part of the morning session, and started their test programme shortly after 10:30, as the temperatures slowly rose to double figures. However, just after 09:00 both Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett completed their installation laps, and because of the cold conditions Gary spun, his car remained on the tarmac and was undamaged.

The planned programme of engine and Michelin tyre evaluation and development continued, with Gary setting the third fastest time of the day with a 1m20.224. Pedro was fourth on the timesheets having driven a 1m20.317. Both drivers covered 152 laps and 660km in total today.

Juan Pablo Montoya will return to the cockpit tomorrow alongside Pedro de la Rosa, with both drivers continuing to test on Thursday.