Kovalainen gets no chance to test MP4-24
A frustrating time for every team attending the final day of testing at Portimao after rainy and misty conditions forced the medical helicopter to remain grounded for the majority of the day. As a result, the track was declared closed in the interests of safety.
With conditions showing no sign of lifting, all running was finally cancelled at 16:15. Although Heikki Kovalainen was on hand for the session, the team felt it was more prudent to remain in the garage during the brief one-hour window between nine and 10am when the track was open.
The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team continues its winter testing programme in Jerez, Spain, on Feb 10 as it continues to hone its MP4-24 car ahead of the start of the 2009 season.
