Fernando Alonso says the new McLaren MCL33 "felt great" during his ten-lap shakedown on Friday at Spain's Navarra Circuit.
The Spaniard got to drive the 2018 car for the first time on Friday during a filming day, sharing duties with team-mate Stoffel Vandoorne, with both completing problem-free running.
Although the cars are limited to slow speeds during permitted filming days, Alonso described the initial feeling as "good so far", having endured a nightmare three seasons with McLaren-Honda prior to the team's switch to Renault this year.
"Every season you have some hope and some new motivation, this year is no different," he said. "I think even more, because for us it's a very important season.
“Finally the day arrives, the engine is running, the car is running, we’re all happy.
Watch: Video – McLaren MCL33 hits the track for the first time
"I'm very happy with the car. It’s always a special moment when you drive the car the first time. Everything feels good. I’m looking forward to doing a proper lap at full speed.
"It's looking good I think. You never know until you put it on track and compare with the others, but so far I think the things we did on the car were the right ones from last year, we took a brave decision on the Renault change."
Alonso sent a message to his and McLaren fans worldwide, insisting "good times are coming".
"We struggled, we kept the motivation very high and the team is stronger now than three years ago," he added.
"What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. The last few years makes a very united team, a very strong team and we will see the first results this year."
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