Norris to observe Barcelona session from sidelines as ex-F2 champion steps in
Photo: Race Pictures
17:22, 09 Jun
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Kada Sárközi joined GPblog as an editor ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season. He graduated with a BA in Sports Journalism in the UK and has covered Grands Prix and other F1 events live.
Lando Norris will sit out the first free practice session this weekend at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. Last year’s Formula 2 champion, Leonardo Fornaroli, will drive the Briton’s MCL40 this Friday.
Similarly to Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli, who will be replaced by Frederik Vesti for the session, Norris will also hand over his seat during the 60-minute session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. However, that does not mean there will be no Italians on track, with Fornaroli stepping in for the defending Formula 1 world champion.
Fornaroli excited by FP1 opportunity in Barcelona
The youngster is looking forward to the experience. "I’m looking forward to getting to drive the MCL40 this weekend in Spain for Free Practice 1. It’s a great opportunity to support the team with their preparations and work through the planned Friday programme.
"It’s also a very special milestone for me personally, as it will be my first official Formula 1 session. It’s something I’ve worked towards for a long time, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to take this next step with McLaren Racing.
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"The experience I’ve gained so far this year through the multiple Testing of Previous Cars events I’ve successfully completed has been so valuable for my development and overall learning of driving a Formula 1 car. Thank you to Zak, Andrea and Alessandro for their continued support and I can’t wait to get in the car on Friday," he concluded.
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Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 12.06.26
Practice 1
11:30 AM
Practice 2
03:00 PM
Saturday 13.06.26
Practice 3
10:30 AM
Qualification
02:00 PM
Sunday 14.06.26
Race
01:00 PM
Friday 12.06.26
Practice 1
Fri 11:30 AM
Practice 2
Fri 03:00 PM
Saturday 13.06.26
Practice 3
Sat 10:30 AM
Qualification
Sat 02:00 PM
Sunday 14.06.26
Race
Sun 01:00 PM
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F1-stand 2026
Season
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | MercedesMER | 156 | |
2 | FerrariFER | 90 | |
3 | MercedesMER | 88 | |
4 | FerrariFER | 75 | |
5 | McLarenMCL | 60 | |
6 | McLarenMCL | 58 | |
7 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 43 | |
8 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 29 | |
9 | Racing BullsRCB | 26 | |
10 | AlpineALP | 26 |
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