Despite recent reports to the contrary, world champion Fernando Alonso may be able to make an early test debut for McLaren in 2006.
Spanish newspaper ‘Diario As’ on Wednesday claimed that the 25-year-old could drive this year’s Woking built car at Jerez in mid December, even though his 2006 Renault contract runs through to the end of next month.
The three day test between 12-15 December is the most likely date, the newspaper said.
‘As’ contends that the main obstacle to an early release for Alonso is not Renault, but Michelin. F1’s departing French supplier is understandably keen to fully exploit his back-to-back championship triumph, and this is not compatible with Alonso completing hundreds of kilometres on rival Bridgestone tyres.
“But the negotiations are still open,” ‘As’ wrote, “and the Asturian could be with the Silver Arrows at Jerez.”
Alonso has already visited McLaren’s Woking factory and had an early cockpit fitting. Reportedly, he requested that the seating position of the MP4-21 be lowered prior to his debut.
