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Pictured
FER IN A SPIN

Fernando Alonso crashes just SIX laps into first F1 testing and wheel comes off his McLaren ahead of new season

FERNANDO ALONSO crashed out during the first day of winter testing in Barcelona.

The rear right wheel came off his McLaren at high speed, sending him into the gravel trap at the final corner.

Fernando Alonso leaves his car after crashing during testing in Barcelona
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Fernando Alonso leaves his car after crashing during testing in BarcelonaCredit: EPA

The Spaniard, who had only completed five laps, was able to climb out of his car before inspecting the damage.

McLaren are still investigating what caused the wheel to come off, as their new era using Renault engines started badly.

The Woking-based team had set a target of 100 laps per day at the Circuit de Catalunya after three dreadful seasons with Honda.

The team is embarking on a new era with Renault power following three horrible years with Honda.

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Alonso, mechanics and stewards check the stricken McLaren out

It's a wheely difficult situation so early in McLaren's practise routine
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It's a wheely difficult situation so early in McLaren's practise routineCredit: EPA

Their relationship was often punctuated by reliability issues and performance issues.

In 2017 McLaren struggled to complete anywhere near enough running to be fully prepared for the new season.

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In total it accumulated just 425 laps in eight days.

That obviously was not what team officials were looking for - or Alonso, come to that.

Repair work continues off the track
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Repair work continues off the trackCredit: REUTERS
Finally we have lift-off as Alonso's car is taken back to the pits
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Finally we have lift-off as Alonso's car is taken back to the pitsCredit: REUTERS

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The 'world's fastest gamer' wins F1 job driving the McLaren race simulator used by Fernando Alonso

The problems with Honda were so severe at the time the Amazon documentary 'Grand Prix Driver'  released earlier this year - showed McLaren bosses had genuine fears Alonso would lose patience and quit on the eve of the 2017 season.

That hasn't happened but early signs are not encouraging.

The F1 season starts on March 25 with the Australia Grand Prix.

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