(Motorsport-Total.com) – The reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli has received another Formula 1 test from his McLaren team. The Italian was on the Circuit of the Americas in Austin last week in an MCL60 from the 2023 Formula 1 season and completed 77 laps.
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According to McLaren, Fornaroli’s program consisted of a mix of long runs and short runs, start exercises for the starting grid, and practicing the formation lap.
“It is always fantastic to drive a Formula 1 car,” says Fornaroli. “I am grateful to McLaren for giving me another opportunity to get behind the wheel of the MCL60.”
“I feel more and more comfortable in the car and also within the team. The schedule was an improvement compared to my last test in Silverstone. We were able to do some practice starts, which gave me a better understanding of what it takes to drive a Formula 1 car in a session,” he says.
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“Everyone in the DDP (Driver Development Programme; ed.) continues to support and push me during these tests as I continue my development. This was my first time at COTA. I really enjoyed it and am already looking forward to my next opportunity in a Formula 1 car. Until then, I will support the team in the simulator for the Monaco GP.”
After winning his Formula 2 title last year, Fornaroli was unable to find a full-time seat in Formula 1 and joined McLaren as a test and reserve driver. He is focusing on this role as he does not have a seat in another series either.
At least McLaren offers him some opportunities in the car: Fornaroli completed 112 laps on the Barcelona track in March and covered 68 laps last month at the Silverstone Circuit.
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