Fernando Alonso to test new McLaren first

The Woking-based F1 squad confirmed via its Twitter account on Thursday that double world champion Alonso, who rejoins the team after leaving Ferrari, would take to the wheel of the new car on days one and three of the first pre-season test in Spain.

Fellow world champion Jenson Button will take over driving duties on days two and four of the test, which begins on February 1.

McLaren has ended a long association with Mercedes to enter a new engine partnership with Honda this season, and ran its 2014 MP4-29 powered by the Japanese manufacturer's first V6 hybrid turbo F1 engine during last November's post-season test in Abu Dhabi.

The first test of 2015 will reveal whether it has recovered ground lost to persistent electrical problems that plagued Honda's first proper running since it returned to the sport.

McLaren will launch its new challenger online next Thursday (January 29), with Ferrari following one day later.

Williams gave the world a first glimpse of its new FW37 earlier this week, while Force India unveiled its new 2015 livery and nose design in Mexico on Wednesday.

Most other teams are expected to reveal their 2015 cars at the Jerez test, with Mercedes and Toro Rosso having already confirmed that they will do so.

January 29: McLaren

January 30: Ferrari

January 31: Toro Rosso

February 1: Mercedes

tba: Red Bull, Lotus, Sauber

February 1-4 Jerez

February 19-22 Barcelona

February 26-March 1 Barcelona