2008 testing complete for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

Image by Getty Images via DaylifeAfter three days testing in Portugal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes can now enjoy a Christmas break before coming back reenergised in 2009.
Gary Paffett and Pedro de la Rosa completed the testing sessions at the brand new Autodromo Internacional do Algarve circuit and achieved strong results.
On day one, Paffett spent the bulk of the day clocking up extra miles on the new KERS–equipped 23K, adding useful miles to the vehicle’s electrical unit and front wing.
De la Rosa took over testing for the following two days, and set the fastest lap of all the sessions on day two of 1:30:080.
During this session he completed some aero testing and was soon in the swing after some initial problems with grip, caused by low-speed circuit configuration.
On the final day, the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team’s last testing session of 2008, the focus was on developing a better understanding of the interim 2009 aerodynamic package.
De la Rosa finished the day believing that big steps had been made in understanding the system.