McLaren-Honda has been dealt another setback during the opening day of the first in-season test after yet more reliability problems with its power unit.
Formula 1 teams have stayed on in Bahrain for two days of in-season testing, running from 09:00 to 18:00 local time, with Honda intending to use the track time to trial updated parts.
However, McLaren test and development driver Oliver Turvey has so far completed only two installation laps in the MCL32.
“We have detected a water leak from the ERS just after installation and it’s under investigation,” confirmed a Honda spokesperson.
“In the interest of time, we decided to change the power unit. Currently we are working to replace it.”
McLaren has endured a dismal start to the 2017 season, amid a lack of reliability and performance, leaving it at the foot of the standings.
Stoffel Vandoorne registered its only finish so far in Australia, as the last classified runner, but was unable to even start in Bahrain, due to a water pressure issue.
Fernando Alonso retired from the race late on with an undiagnosed issue, a day after McLaren was forced to undertake a power unit change post-qualifying.
McLaren suffered four MGU-H failures across the course of the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, with Honda still investigating the cause of the problems.
Vandoorne is set to take over testing duties from Turvey for Wednesday’s running.
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