McLaren turned down Pirelli test role

It has emerged that McLaren decided to turn down the opportunity to test 2017 Pirelli tyres, despite Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes seizing the opportunity to do so.

McLaren racing director Eric Boullier explained the thinking behind the decision to F1i, "You have to take stock of yourself about the cost and effort it would take to bring a test car in readiness."

"We drew the conclusion that it was better for us not to participate. Of course you can learn a thing on that tyre, but all data is shared with the teams who do not test."

"We are not where we want to be and would rather concentrate on ourselves and on speeding up our car," added Boullier.