McLaren and Honda debut the MP4-29H at Silverstone last week

McLaren and Honda debut the MP4-29H at Silverstone last week

Last Friday, the interim version of McLaren’s current MP4-29 car powered by a Honda V6 engine for the first time, the new partnership debuted at the end of last week when the McLaren-Honda was put through its paces during a shakedown run at Silverstone.

Although the session which was designated as a private filming day was held behind closed doors, Honda offered a snapshot of F1’s new era on their Twitter account

It is thought in the paddock very likely that the McLaren-Honda which was listed by the team as a MP4-29H; will run again in harness at the upcoming Abu Dhabi test at the end of the month.

Under the terms of this year's testing regulations, teams are permitted up to 100kms of track running on their allotted filming days.

McLaren are yet to divulge any information about the session other than to confirm that test driver Oliver Turvey was behind the wheel. The team also remain tight-lipped on the identity of their 2015 driver line-up, although Fernando Alonso seems certain to return as partner to either Kevin Magnussen or Jenson Button.

But all we can say at the moment is that the fact that McLaren and Honda debuting the MP4-29H last week is a good sign that things are heading in the right direction for them. With both parties wanting to make a good return to the sport next season, the fact that they are managing to gain some running time already will help them as they look to improve their performance and get a headstart on preparing for the 2015 season.

But with the spotlight firmly at the moment on McLaren especially with regards to their driver line up still not being announced for next season, the question is which two drivers will be putting the Honda engine through its paces? I do feel that at the moment is on McLaren retaining both Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen. It would be stupid not to use Button's experience with Honda and I think Magnussen has shown that he has the potential to improve and acquire a second year in the sport in the process.

I wouldn't be surprised if Fernando Alonso came back to McLaren, but I just do not see it happening especially after events in 2007 where both parties parted company in the manner that they did. But anything can happen in Formula One and it usually does!