Stoffel Vandoorne was given a taste of Fernando Alonso’s previous day when the Belgian was unable to complete McLaren-Honda’s Tuesday schedule following another engine change.
The Belgian was at the lower end of the time sheets and the mileage but still remained positive in the face of adversity.
“I think it was positive to get back behind the wheel after four months with no driving. It was a good first feeling from me,” Vandoorne said.
“Immediately I felt confident with the car and very comfortable. That’s a first very positive sign. When you have a new car and new regulations and you feel confident immediately, then it’s a good start.
“Unfortunately we had a loss of engine power during the morning. We’re still investigating what the issues exactly are. It’s a shame we couldn’t do more laps.
- Gallery: all the pictures from Day 2
Given the team’s limited running this week, Vandoorne underlines the importance of concluding the first week of pre-season testing with a couple of ‘clean’ days
Click Here: Golf special
“This is my first day of testing. Fernando didn’t get many laps yesterday. Tomorrow and the day after are going important days for us, so we’re going to try and make the most of every situation and every lap I get on track I’ll try to make the most of it.
“I’ll try to give as much feedback as possible and for myself as well. It’s going to be my first season in Formula 1, so every lap I can get, I need, and it’s a valuable experience for me.
“We’d have hoped to do more laps but we’ll work hard as a team overnight and hope tomorrow we come back stronger.”
GALLERY: F1 drivers’ wives and girlfriends
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter