Turvey completes 2012 McLaren MP4-27 shakedown

Oliver Turvey

McLaren tester Oliver Turvey became the first person to drive the team's 2012 F1 car in Spain on Saturday, completing system checks behind the wheel of the MP4-27 before pre-season testing kicks off at the Circuito de Jerez next week.

"Was an absolute honor to be the first person to drive the McLaren MP4-27 today, thoroughly enjoyed every moment," Turvey explained via his personal Twitter account, having been present at the car launch on Wednesday. "It ran well today but hard to know how good the performance will be until we get on track next week in Jerez!"

Jenson Button will begin the team's testing program at Jerez next Tuesday, driving for the first two days before teammate Lewis Hamilton takes over.