The MP4-23 and the MP4-22 compared by Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton is satisfied with the performance of the new McLaren MP4-23 following his second test in this car at Jerez.

The single-seater was unveiled last week in Germany before the team began working on its development at the Spanish circuit of Jerez, which hosted a private testing session this week.

Hamilton believes that the car has already shown encouraging signs. It even seems to be more efficient than last year’s MP4-22, with which the British team won eight victories.

« I spent two and a half days in the car and we had a very good start. Compared to last year, the initial tests were a great success due to the car’s reliability, » said Hamilton on McLaren’s official website.

« It’s important for the team to be rewarded, it shows how hard they’ve worked. We are going in the right direction, we just need to avoid going off-piste too much! »

« The car is an evolution of the MP4-22, and they are ultimately very similar. »

Hamilton, who ran his first Grand Prix just a year ago, also believes that he is much better prepared for this new season.

« I am much better prepared. I know what I need, I know how many days of testing we need to do. I am in better shape today than I was at the same time last year, » added the 2007 vice world champion.

« As for the races, they will need to be tackled one at a time, and it will be a little easier. Great challenges await me and the team. »