Sainz working for early McLaren test

Carlos Sainz has revealed his management are doing all they can to see if the Spaniard can join up with McLaren early and test with his new team in next month's Abu Dhabi post-season test.

Sainz announced his departure from Renault, when Daniel Ricciardo confirmed he was making the switch from Red Bull to the French side - and Sainz Jr. will be replacing his compatriot and idol, Fernando Alonso.

The Pirelli tyre test in Abu Dhabi is the only on-track running between the end of the 2018 season and the pre-season testing that begins in February.

Sainz was asked by Motorsport about the chances of him driving for his new side in Abu Dhabi, and replied: "It's a good opportunity to try this year's car, obviously not next year's, but I'm focusing on these three (remaining) races.

Renault were hoping to use Ricciardo to test their car, but the move has been blocked by the Aussie's current employer Red Bull - meaning it could have a 'domino' effect on Sainz's chances of testing for McLaren.

Lance Stroll is being lined-up to test for Force India - with the Williams driver expected to move to the side following his father's takeover.

Toro Rosso driver Pierre Gasly and Ferrari man Kimi Raikkonen are another two drivers on the move, to Red Bull and Sauber, respectively, and they have revealed that nothing has been decided in regards to who they'll be testing for in Abu Dhabi.

"We'll see," Raikkonen said. "Nothing clear, I'm quite open to any decision."

"Nothing decided," Gasly added. "We'll see what happens. It would be a great opportunity to start working with the team."