Jerez Test: Day 3

It was a bright and sunny day in southern Spain as day three of the first pre-season test took place. However, the day was another dismal affair from Red Bull, with Daniel Ricciardo managing just three laps and seven corners in the RB10 after yet more electrical issues. Meanwhile, Toro Rosso completed 30 laps suggesting that the ERS issues are seemingly exaggerated by the Red Bull package. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Kevin Magnussen has enjoyed a magnificent start to his F1 career, finishing top of the timesheet with just the afternoon to acclimatise to the MP4-29. After only completing 680 miles of F1 testing prior to today, that is no mean feat for the young Dane.

Check out Sky Sports F1's gallery for day three at Jerez

McLaren MP4-29 Unveiling

Sleek, silver and shocking, the new McLaren MP4-29 has certainly divided opinion. The car features the most radical nose design yet - the 'anteater' extension which was noticeable on the Williams is supported by two vertical spars on either side. It is certainly a peculiar design which will take some getting used to. Meanwhile, the main talking point of the day was Martin Whitmarsh's absence from the launch, with McLaren Managing Director, Jonathan Neale, taking the reigns. With Eric Boullier turning his back on Lotus this morning, it seems as though he could be on his way to McLaren. Coincidences are decidedly rare in Formula One...

The MP4-29 features one of the most radical nose designs we are likely to see
(c) McLaren Mercedes

How Strong Are The Next Generation?

Thankfully, last weeks Young Drivers Test failed to be overshadowed by the subject of Pirelli tyres. Consequently, it was a vital opportunity for the young protagonists in junior formula to showcase their array of talents. The performances were clinical and impressive from several drivers in particular and the resounding opinion from around the paddock is that these drivers will get their chance in the sport. However, the question is, how long will it be before they receive their career defining opportunity and will this be yet another golden generation of drivers?

Young Drivers Test: Day 1

As Britain experiences the longest prolonged warm spell since 2006, Silverstone welcomed an excellent turn-out today for the first of three days of the Young Drivers Test. While the emphasis has been taken away from the youngsters in the wake of the test becoming a Pirelli tyre test, their was still an array of young blood on show throughout the day. McLaren youngster Kevin Magnussen made the most of his track time and recorded the fastest time of the day, following up his timesheet topping first day of last years YDT at Abu Dhabi. Kevin is certainly making a name for himself.

As with any test, times are somewhat irrelevant. Particularly in the case of young drivers, consistency and feedback are the key attributes which are being observed. This is even more poignant, considering that the teams are desperately looking to obtain vital information regarding the new tyres ahead of Hungary, while being restricted to Pirelli's programme.