Hamilton is left without a car for the rest of this week's testing

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

Hertfordshire's Hamilton shrugged off the incident, saying: "Unfortunately, these things happen in this sport.

"I am completely fine and I'm looking forward to getting back to testing next week."

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 was unhurt but the MP4-22 will not be repairable in Valencia. The cause of the accident is being investigated."

Hamilton was confirmed as a McLaren's second driver alongside reigning world champion Fernando Alonso nearly two months ago.

He has long been groomed for success by team principal Ron Dennis, coming to prominence last year when he won the GP2 title.

This first serious accident in F1 for Hamilton leaves him a spectator on the final day of the three-day test session.

Alonso will continue the team's testing programme on his own on Friday.

McLaren are again in Valencia for more testing from next Tuesday through to Thursday.