Briatore happy to allow Alonso one day test Fernando Alonso made his test debut in an unbranded McLaren at Jerez shortly after 9am on Friday.
The Spaniard, who remains under contract to Renault until the last day of 2006, strolled into pit lane wearing a plain white
racing suit, jet black boots and - due to the chilly morning weather - a black jacket.
His 2006-spec MP4-21 car - used by countryman Pedro de la Rosa at Jerez before the last-minute deal with Flavio Briatore was struck - had all sponsor decals removed, and 25-year-old Alonso pulled on a white helmet with a dark visor.
“I have a strong relationship with the Renault F1 Team and I would like to thank Flavio and Renault to have agreed to my request to test one day with my new team," Alonso said in a statement.
Photographers huddled at the exit of the garage for his first installation lap, and members of McLaren's pit lane neighbour - Renault - also peered left for a glimpse of their back to back champion in a silver racer.
“Fernando asked me to test one day with his new team to acclimatize himself to the car," said Briatore. "We enjoy a very good relationship and considering his work and his fabulous achievements these past two years with the double world titles in 2005 and 2006, we decided to give him this opportunity."
Source GMM / Renault
