10 November 2026 18:00 (UTC)
"We focused on a number of long stints, different balance setups, and we also got some running on the Intermediates in there too"
McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team Reserve Driver Leonardo Fornaroli completed his seventh and final test of the year with the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) Team. The Italian driver returned to the MCL39, this time at the Circuito de Jerez.
Leo shared driving duties during the two-day test with McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team Test and Development Driver Nyck de Vries. Nyck gained valuable track time to support his role, completing 69 laps (306km) on the circuit’s Grand Prix layout.
Arriving straight from Brazil where he drove in his fourth FP1 session, Leo completed 58 laps (254km). He began the morning session during a spell of rain, which gave him his first experience on Intermediate tyres. After a brief pause to let the track dry, the Italian went back out on a Soft tyre, completing the programme in the afternoon with long runs and working through different balance setups due to the strong winds.
As part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme, Leo completed a rigorous plan tailored to his development. The objectives were to give him time in an F1 car and keep him ready for if his Reserve Driver duties are required. Testing with the TPC programme also helped Leo prepare for his four successful FP1 sessions in Barcelona-Catalunya, Hungary, Mexico City and São Paulo.
This was the final event for the TPC Team in 2026, concluding a busy year testing in Barcelona, Silverstone, Austin, Monza, Portimão and Paul Ricard. The team also collaborated with Pirelli for their tyre tests, including in Nürburgring and Mugello.
"It was great to be back in the MCL39, it’s such a fun car to drive. We focused on a similar programme to what we did in Paul Ricard, which involved a number of long stints, different balance setups, and we also got some running on the Intermediates in there too.
"This test at Jerez came straight after my two FP1 sessions in Mexico City and São Paulo. It's a really nice way to finish my testing programme within the McLaren Driver Development Programme. I took some time to reflect and compare my day here to my first F1 drive during our TPC test in Barcelona in February and I’m pleased to have come so far. I've improved a lot in my driving and how I approach everything, thanks to the support the team has given me.
"Now I head back to the States, to support the team in the final few races of 2026, before an exciting 2027 across the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and the McLaren Hypercar Team."
"This is my first test with the TPC team for 2026. It's good to be back with the team here, and what an experience it was to drive the MCL39. It's an important car for the team's history, and it was great to drive it around Jerez. Thank you to the team - it's always helpful to get time on track, which supports the work I do in my Test and Development role."
