McLaren reserve driver Leo Fornaroli: Preparing for upcoming F1 stints

Leo Fornaroli had already taken to the track in the current McLaren race car during the first free practice session in Barcelona and Budapest. Now, with the races in Mexico and Brazil, two further practice sessions in the premier class are on the agenda. And as it has been months since he last took to the track in the world champion team’s GP car, the 21-year-old from the Emilia-Romagna region had the opportunity this weekend to prepare for these outings.

Fornaroli took part in a so-called TPC test, in which McLaren takes to the track with an older GP car. He drove the MCL39, with which the Woking-based team secured the drivers’ title for Lando Norris and the constructors’ title last year. Fornaroli took to the track at the Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, completing 58 laps and covering 339 test kilometres.

This was already the sixth test he had been allowed to undertake with the McLaren team. The programme included longer runs to simulate the upcoming sessions in the first practice sessions. Although a light shower in the afternoon interrupted the work, the team managed to complete the entire test programme they had set out to do.

Leo Fornaroli: Debut in the McLaren MCL39

Afterwards, Fornaroli said: “This test at the Circuit Paul Ricard was really very helpful. It’s been a few months since I last sat in a Formula 1 car, so it was good to get back behind the wheel ahead of the race in Mexico. This track is also great fun, and getting to drive the MCL39 for the first time naturally made the whole experience even better. It was really cool to drive a car that has won two titles.”

The young driver also made a point of thanking the team and the heads of McLaren’s junior programme for the opportunity. He added: “I’m looking forward to rejoining the team in Mexico.”

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Alongside Fornaroli, test and development driver Jake Hughes also took to the track at Le Castellet. The Briton, who is playing his part in the further development of this year’s MCL40 in the simulator, completed 52 laps, covering almost 300 km. It was his second test this year, having already taken to the track in Barcelona.