Race Drivers Test New MP4-23

By Sam Cooper
January 10 2008

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen have both completed their first days testing in McLaren's new MP4-23 together. The two completed over 100 laps each with best times of 1.19.1 and 1.19.4 respectively. The car featured a number of changes including a new bridge wing and slightly differnent front wing heights.

Lewis Hamilton took over from Pedro de la Rosa who drove the second McLaren MP4-23, alongside second driver Heikki Kovalainen. Pedro and Heikki completing a best time of 1.19.655 and 1.20.599.

Using Lewis as a direct comparision, his previous best time in the last test in the MP4-22 was 0.2 seconds slower than his best time from today, although this isnt the best comparision of the two cars to do. As we know, the current look of the car isn't going to stay the same for the first round in Melbourne, in just over three months.

Hamilton and Kovalainen will continue testing tomorrow and Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett will test on Monday next week, with Lewis and Heikki taking over testing duties for the final two days.