Leonardo Fornaroli will compete in FP1 at the Mexico City Grand Prix and also at the São Paulo Grand Prix for McLaren, having recently been confirmed as a driver for its Hypercar team next season.
The reigning F2 champion will deputise for Lando Norris at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, and for Oscar Piastri the following week at Interlagos.
"I am excited to be getting back into the MCL40 for the upcoming Free Practice 1 sessions in both Mexico City and São Paulo," Fornaroli said.
"They’re new circuits for me, which is a good challenge. Mexico presents new conditions for me to drive in with the altitude and low grip, with Brazil looking fun with the iconic features of the track.
"It is always a pleasure to work alongside the team at race weekends, so thank you to them for trusting me with further FP1 sessions."
The Italian had been in contention for a full-time seat in F1 with Haas, but fell short of current F2 standings leader Rafael Camara.
Nonetheless, Fornaroli will embark on an exciting new chapter with McLaren next term, alongside his F1 duties for the papaya squad.
By taking part in free practice 1 in Mexico City and Sao Paulo, in addition to runs in Barcelona and Budapest, Fornaroli will satisfy McLaren's FIA-mandated rookie FP1 criteria.
“Our preparations have been extensive. Alongside dedicated simulator work, I’ve done some Testing of Previous Cars running in last year’s double World Championship-winning car, which was an incredible experience," he added.
"That mileage provided good preparation for what lies ahead. My focus will be on helping the team set up Lando and Oscar’s cars and gathering a good bank of data. I am ready and eager to get out on circuit for both FP1 sessions."
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Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding as they look back on the United States GP and look ahead to Mexico City! Red Bull's return of gearbox gremlins is a lead discussion, as is Kimi Antonelli being just days away from becoming world champion.
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