McLaren suffer major set back

McLaren have been hit with a huge blow to their testing programme, as an engine problem is likely to abandon running tomorrow.

The team stopped early today after an encouraging morning, due to a faulty seal on the MGU-K. The part needs to be re-designed, but it will not reach Spain until Saturday.

Engine manufacturers Honda have said that McLaren can try to run tomorrow, but the problem is likely to reoccur.

Honda’s Yasuhisa Arai told reporters: “That faulty part then caused an issue that requires full replacement of the power-unit, and the time needed to make those changes effectively ends today’s programme.

“We’ll need to run a redesigned component to avoid a potential repeat of the problem.  Unfortunately, we won’t be in possession of that updated part until Saturday, which means that we may face the same problem when we run again tomorrow.”

Jenson Button completed 21 laps today and was due to drive tomorrow, but McLaren have decided that Fernando Alonso will drive the car tomorrow, so that Button doesn't have both of his days affected.

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