McLaren's F2 champion Fornaroli completes advanced Silverstone test

McLaren reserve driver and reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli has completed a second, more advanced test in the team's 2023 MCL60 car at Silverstone. The outing, part of his continued progression in McLaren's Driver Development Programme, focused on longer runs and varied setups, building on his initial test in Barcelona earlier this year.

Why it matters:

Fornaroli's continued testing is a clear signal of McLaren's investment in his future and the strength of their junior programme. Giving a young champion meaningful track time in a recent F1 car is a crucial step in preparing him for a potential race seat, following in the footsteps of other successful DDP graduates like Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

The details:

• The test at Silverstone was described by McLaren as an "evolution" of Fornaroli's first run in Spain, with a more advanced run plan.
• The focus shifted to longer race-style runs, driving with different fuel loads, and experimenting with a mix of tyre compounds (hard and soft) to deepen his understanding of car management.
• Fornaroli has been integrated trackside with the F1 team, having attended the Japanese Grand Prix in March for additional experience.
• The Italian driver's rapid rise is notable; he secured back-to-back Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles in his first attempts in each series, a rare feat previously achieved only by Piastri and Gabriel Bortoleto.

What's next:

McLaren has confirmed further tests for Fornaroli in the 2023 car are planned at a "variety of different circuits" throughout the year. The immediate goal is for him to make his official Formula 1 weekend debut during a mandatory rookie Free Practice 1 (FP1) session this season, fulfilling a key requirement for his development and reserve driver role.