Fernando Alonso will kick-start the new McLaren-Honda era with the Spaniard taking the wheel of the MP4-30 for its debut on February 1.

The former world champion has been given the honour of testing the team’s new car - which will be launched on January 29 - when the first of three-pre season meets begins at Jerez.

McLaren are the third team to announce their driver line-up for the four-day Jerez meeting.

Nico Rosberg will drive the new Mercedes, the W06, on the first and third days of the test, with world champion Lewis Hamilton running on Monday February 2 and Wednesday February 4.