New McLaren hits track in Spain

McLaren MP4-23

(GMM) McLaren's newly launched 2008 car, the MP4-23, made its track debut at the start of an exclusive three day test at the Jerez circuit on Wednesday morning.

At precisely 9.05am, the single seater rolled onto the Andalucion circuit in dry conditions in the hands of test driver Pedro de la Rosa.

The car featured a 'bridge'-style front wing that the Mercedes-powered team pioneered in 2007, unlike the version that was unveiled in Stuttgart earlier this week.

Finnish team newcomer Heikki Kovalainen is expected to join the action later on Wednesday in a second completed version of the 2008 design, ahead of his 2008 race teammate Lewis Hamilton's first try on Thursday.