Alonso saddened by "lost" day of McLaren testing

Alonso had an oil system problem right at the start of the morning session, and then had other issues, including an engine shutdown, when he returned to the track in the afternoon.

However, the Spaniard was quick to try to play down the problems, suggesting that it was too easy for the media to draw early conclusions and hark back to Honda first test troubles in past years.

"I think it's definitely not a perfect start of the winter testing," Alonso said. "I think after all the difficulties we had the last two years it's a nice temptation for you guys to maximise today's problems, because it's quite interesting from the media point of view that after two difficult seasons we arrive to the winter testing and we don't run the first day, unfortunately.

"But in terms of the performance point of view or the team point of view, we have to concentrate and try to recover time. As I said we are disappointed, sad, to arrive to the first day and not be able to run.

"We know and we are aware of the time we lost today, we have four days for each driver before a world championship starts, and now one day is gone.

"So I have three days to prepare for a world championship. So it's not an ideal situation, but it's the way it is.

"As I said there's nothing more we can do from today more than learn from whatever happened to the car, and recover in the next days."

McLaren team boss Eric Boullier conceded that Alonso was unhappy after the morning's problems and lost track time, but the Spaniard tried to see the positives.

"Happy, not happy, it's the first day of testing, so you are not too worried, and not too excited," said Alonso. "Even if you are in a very good position or a very bad position, there's still a long way to go.

"Now you hit the track you go on the installation lap and something breaks down, and you lose the day. As I said the time is very important this year, with the new regulations, with the new tyres, much information that we need to get in a very short period of time.

"Three days in my case now, not only on the technical side, but also on the driving side you need to find your limits, you need to find your driving style that suits this car and these tyres, you need to familiarise with the steering wheel, with the starting procedures, the pit stops, many things that are different this year, because of the tyres and the size of the car. Obviously one day is gone for me.

"Let's say this is not a problem, I'm lucky enough to have good experience, and to find the limits very quickly. It has been the same all my life, that I adapt to the cars quicker than anyone else, and will do also this year."