Norris excited to tackle Alonso at Monza

Norris excited to tackle Alonso at Monza

Joas van Wingerden

Tuesday 28 August 2018 14:12

Lando Norris is looking forward to comparing his times against Fernando Alonso as he prepares for another FP1 chance with McLaren at the Italian Grand Prix. Teenage prodigy Norris drove Alonso's car during the first practice session in Belgium last weekend.

Norris is reportedly under consideration for a race seat at McLaren next season and was given his grand prix weekend debut at Spa-Francorchamps.

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Stoffel Vandoorne is under pressure after being outperformed by Alonso and Norris will be able to impress McLaren's hierarchy if he can go toe-to-toe with the two-time world champion at Monza.

READ MORE: Norris drops McLaren hint?

"I think it's going to be very different to here," Norris said, comparing Monza to Spa.

"Here's there's not that many big braking zones, I guess you've got Turn 18, Turn 1. Apart from that, it's generally quite long, flowing corners, which you have a bit in Monza but even Monza you have lower downforce than here.

Spa FP1 last Friday, Monza FP1 this Friday. I’m not going to forget these two weekends anytime soon ???? #ItalianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/lidFfh4MBT — Lando Norris (@LandoNorris) August 28, 2018

"So it's going to be a bit more tricky, but at the same time it's going to be another good opportunity for me to get comfortable with the car, learn about different things, with a different package, just kind of learn.

"That's all it is, help myself develop against Fernando, because I'll be in Stoffel's car. It'll be good to compare in some ways against him."

Norris and Vandoorne's times were scrutinised in Belgian practice as they reportedly vie for a seat alongside Carlos Sainz Jr at McLaren next year, but the teenager has no clues on his 2019 destination.

"It's too difficult on my side to say for next year. It's not like it's a yes or a no yet," Norris said.

"It's just trying to do the best job I can in these opportunities that I get to show what I can do, be consistent, have good feedback, be fast, at the same time not make mistakes. It's an opportunity at max."