McLaren expecting tight fight in first few races of season

McLaren headed into Formula One's final preseason test in Barcelona on Thursday with plenty of new parts to try out and untroubled by anything it has seen so far from its championship rivals.

Team Managing Director Jonathan Neale said the first two tests in Jerez and Barcelona this month had thrown up no unpleasant surprises.

"Our car appears normal, we've had no major issues. The drivers report that the handling is good," Neale said. "Sergio (Perez) is getting to learn to drive a McLaren, which has slightly different characteristics to what he's been used to.