Sadly for the new McLaren-Honda
partnership however, they have not been turning heads: the car has barely
been on track long enough for anyone to notice. After 12 laps in two days,
there were signs of improvement on Tuesday morning as Fernando Alonso
emerged from the garage at 09:00 on the dot.
Thirty-two laps followed – still a remarkable 14 seconds off the pace – but
then another mechanical issue intervened. They had to abandon the days
running at lunchtime in the hope that Jenson Button can make up lost ground
on Wednesday. Eric Boullier, McLaren’s racing director, seemed relieved to
have some mileage on the board but conceded the team had completed “less
than 50 per cent” of its targets for this test.
Although Mercedes marched on, there was a glimmer of encouragement for the
opposition when the spectators here were treated to the rare sight of
Rosberg’s coming to a halt, not to mention team chairman Niki Lauda caught
relieving himself by the side of the track. Still, they remain the
overwhelming favourites.
It is all the more disappointing for Mercedes
and Rosberg therefore that this year’s German Grand Prix remains in serious
doubt. Bernie Ecclestone, F1’s supremo, revealed on Tuesday there would be a
decision by the weekend, while Rosberg said he was alarmed at the prospect
of his home country being off the calendar.
“It’s really sad for me and the German fans to hear that nothing is confirmed
yet for 2015,” he added.