McLaren Wraps Up Portimao Test with Norris, Piastri, and Fornaroli
McLaren took to the Portimao circuit for a pre-summer test with Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Leonardo Fornaroli. The trio put in a solid number of laps as McLaren looks ahead to the second half of the season.
While other teams like Aston Martin, Alpine, and Audi were busy in Hungary, McLaren opted for the sun-drenched Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal for their pre-summer break testing. Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Leonardo Fornaroli took the reins of the 2023 MCL60 for a productive day on track.
For Piastri, this was his first experience at the Portimao circuit, and he seemed to enjoy the challenge, noting the track's elevation changes made for a fun drive. Meanwhile, Norris had a bit of nostalgia, returning to the venue where he first tested an F1 car back in 2017.
The test wasn't just about rekindling old memories. It served as a chance for Fornaroli, a part of McLaren's Driver Development Programme, to gain valuable insights. Watching Norris and Piastri in action gave him a firsthand look at the intricacies of F1 driving and feedback.
The drivers put in a solid shift: Piastri completed 55 laps, Norris 49, and Fornaroli 47. McLaren emphasized the importance of this session for familiarization, especially since F1 will make its return to Portugal in 2027.
As McLaren wraps up their testing, the team joins the rest of the paddock in taking a breather before the action resumes with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort in late August.
All in all, a productive day in Portugal as McLaren looks to build momentum for the rest of the season.