Stoffel Vandoorne is predicting a day of aerodynamic testing when he takes control of the McLaren MP4-30 on the second day of the Austrian in-season Formula 1 test.
The Belgian, who currently sits top of the GP2 championship, will take over driving duties from Fernando Alonso after taking a fourth consecutive feature race win in the feeder series.
McLaren endured yet another difficult weekend in Austria, with both cars suffering a number of mechanical failures over the weekend, before both retired from the race.
The Woking based squad had hoped to collect data on its upgrades, which were on Alonso’s car only, during the race. However McLaren’s hopes were dashed after the Spaniard was involved in an incident with Kimi Raikkonen on the opening lap.
Vandoorne expects to fill the gaps in the missed information from the weekend but is relishing the chance of having another taste of F1 machinery.
“It is probably going to be a lot of aero work to try and understand the new package McLaren introduced here,” the 23-year-old told Sky Sports.
“Monday is our preparation day and then I will have a better idea what it is I’ll be doing on Wednesday.
“Definitely it is great to have another chance in the car so thanks to McLaren-Honda for that.
“I’ve driven a car last year so I know more or less what to expect from Formula 1, but of course this is a very different car compared to last year, with a Honda engine as well, so in the beginning I will have to adapt a little bit.
“But I’m fairly confident I will be on it after not so long and then it is case of being consistent and giving the best feedback I can to help the team forward.”
