Sainz early McLaren test an "important head start"

Carlos Sainz Jr believes that his early test chance with his new team McLaren will give him an "important head start" ahead of his permanent switch for the 2019 Formula One season.

Daniel Ricciardo's switch to Renault initially left the Spaniard without a seat - but that was quickly resolved, with Sainz replacing the retiring Fernando Alonso at the end of the season.

Sainz will team up with McLaren for the first time next week in the Pirelli end of season tyre test after being given authorisation to link up with his new side early.

The Spanish driver thinks it is "great news" and an "important test" to get used to his new team.

"For any driver, it's important to get a head start before the season even finishes," Sainz told Autosport. "To say already what you like, what you don't like, what you want to be changed, your seat comfort, the steering wheel, the controls.

Before moving to Renault, in 2017 with Toro Rosso he announced his decision to move to the French side with four races remaining, giving him a chance to learn the differences between the two sides; something he'll be hoping for again.

Sainz was asked how difficult it is to get used to a new team in F1, and replied: "You cannot imagine! It was a whole new world when I changed from Toro Rosso to Renault. It will be the same (with McLaren).