Hamilton scrape ends Valencia test

Lewis Hamilton escaped unhurt following an accident during a test session with McLaren in Valencia this afternoon.

Just 10 days after unveiling the new MP4-22 in the Spanish city, the 22-year-old Briton badly damaged the car at the Ricardo Tormo circuit.

It has not yet been determined whether it was a mechanical failure or driver error that led to the shunt.

A McLaren spokesperson confirmed: “Lewis had an accident at the circuit in Valencia this afternoon, the cause of which is being investigated.

“Lewis is uninjured. However, the MP4-22 is badly damaged and will not be repairable in Valencia to allow him to continue his test programme tomorrow.”

Hamilton was confirmed as a McLaren driver nearly two months ago, with team principal Ron Dennis affording him a surprise chance to make a name for himself in Formula One.

The Tewin-born racer has long been groomed for success by Dennis, coming to prominence last year when he won the GP2 title.

This first serious accident in Formula One for Hamilton leaves him a spectator on the final day of the three-day test session.

Reigning double world champion Fernando Alonso will continue the team’s testing programme on his own.