McLaren completed a productive two-day TPC test at Portimão with Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Leonardo Fornaroli sharing driving duties in the 2023 MCL60. The three drivers covered a combined 698 kilometres at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, giving Leonardo Fornaroli another valuable opportunity to learn alongside McLaren’s established Formula 1 race drivers.
Leonardo Fornaroli is becoming increasingly involved in McLaren’s programmes. The team values the Italian driver’s feedback and rewarded his progress by including him in the Portimão test with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. It marked another important step for the young driver after he gained valuable McLaren FP1 mileage during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.
McLaren complete 698 km in Portimão TPC test
As part of the Testing of Previous Cars programme, Lando Norris completed 49 laps, Oscar Piastri covered 55 and Leonardo Fornaroli recorded 47. Together, the McLaren drivers accumulated 698 kilometres across the two days of running in Portugal.
Leonardo Fornaroli drove on both afternoons, while Oscar Piastri took over the MCL60 on the first morning and Lando Norris completed his running on the second morning. The Portimão session concluded an intensive first half of McLaren’s TPC programme, during which the 2023 car also ran at Barcelona, Silverstone, Austin and Monza.
Lando Norris reflects on productive McLaren Portimão test
“It was a productive test for us, and it was nice to be back at Portimão. This is where I drove a Formula 1 car for the first time in 2017, so it is a special track for me. It is also a fun circuit to drive, with some enjoyable and challenging corners,” Lando Norris commented.
“We managed to complete everything we had planned and accumulate valuable mileage. It is a great way to say goodbye to the team before the summer break. I am looking forward to spending some time with family and friends, recharging and returning to the track at Zandvoort in top form.”
Oscar Piastri enjoys first experience of Portimão
For Oscar Piastri, the test provided a first opportunity to experience the elevation changes and distinctive characteristics of the Algarve circuit. The Australian had already expressed his support for the Italian prospect before Leonardo Fornaroli’s latest Formula 1 practice appearance.
“This was my first time at the Portimão circuit. The changing conditions made it an interesting place to drive, while the elevation changes made it really enjoyable. We completed the entire programme we had set ourselves, and the team is satisfied,” Oscar Piastri explained.
“It is a good time to take a break. It has been quite an intense season for us, so it will be nice for everyone to switch off.”
Leonardo Fornaroli learns alongside Norris and Piastri
Leonardo Fornaroli, who took part in his second Formula 1 race weekend in Budapest, highlighted the value of working directly with McLaren’s regular drivers. His growing involvement follows other rookie opportunities during the season, including his appearance among the young drivers selected for Spanish Grand Prix practice.
“I really enjoyed taking part in this event at Portimão. It was my first time driving at this circuit, and every opportunity to drive the MCL60 in a TPC test is important for my development. It was fantastic to work alongside Lando and Oscar. Watching how they approached the different conditions and listening to their feedback provided valuable learning experiences for me,” Leonardo Fornaroli said.
“We completed plenty of running on both days. The wind made things a little more complicated, so there was a lot to learn. I want to thank McLaren for its continued support and the development opportunities it gives me. I can feel my progress with every lap, and I am looking forward to continuing to build from here.”
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