From GMM

Newly crowned world champion Lewis Hamilton has revealed he will not test for McLaren prior to the 2009 car's completion in January.

The 23-year-old Briton has had a seat fitting in a mock-up of the MP4-24, but said he is not scheduled to join the Mercedes-powered team for its last test of 2008 in Portugal this week.

Hamilton on Sunday attended the Race of Champions in London and then the BBC Sports Personality of the Year event in Liverpool, and said his next step is a Christmas break.

"I plan to take a holiday and return fresh and positive to kick start our winter test programme with the MP4-24," he said.

The car will be launched at McLaren's factory on January 16.


Photo Credit : McLaren