Leonardo Fornaroli set for FP1 debut at Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix with McLaren

McLaren has confirmed that Leonardo Fornaroli will be making his Formula 1 race weekend debut with the team, driving in Free Practice 1 at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.

The reigning Formula 2 Champion will be at the wheel of the MCL40 in place of F1 Champion Lando Norris this weekend.

Fornaroli joined McLaren’s Driver Development Programme fresh from his F2 title success and has since taken part in a Testing of Previous Cars event with the F1 team.

"I'm very excited to drive the MCL40 this weekend in the Barcelona-Catalunya FP1 session,” Fornaroli said of his opportunity.

"It's going to be a great opportunity to help the team with their preparations and to work through the planned Friday programme. This is going to be a very important mission for me because it's going to be my first official Formula 1 session. It's something I've worked through for a long time, so very excited for it.

"All the experience I've gained through the previous TPC days so far were very important for my development, so a big thank you to Zak, Andrea, and Alessandro, and to all the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team. Can't wait for this weekend!"