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Leonardo Fornaroli debuts in Barcelona FP1, McLaren near leaders

6/13/2026

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Summary

Fornaroli Debuts FP1

Leonardo Fornaroli debuted in FP1 at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix on 12 June 2026, completing 22 laps in the McLaren MCL40.
The session featured rake work, a soft-tyre block and data from three drivers that showed the car near the leaders, boosting Saturday momentum.
Fornaroli will return to simulator duties in Woking and will take part in a fourth Testing of Previous Cars session at Monza next week.

Summary

Gasly Restored

Alpine’s appeal restored Pierre Gasly to third in Monaco, boosting championship points.
Pirelli supplied C2-C4 tyres for Barcelona, warned of two pit stops, and reported simulations showed C3 tyres could lose five seconds per ten laps.
Mercedes and McLaren kept speeds while Ferrari lagged on straights; race saw Gabriel Bortoleto lead, Liam Lawson’s car fail with a gearbox issue, and seven teams run reserve drivers Leonardo Fornaroli for McLaren.

History

Historical Context

After Bridgestone quit at the end of 2010, Pirelli became Formula One’s sole tyre supplier in 2011, tasked with producing rapidly-wearing slicks to force more pit stops and shape race strategy. That season’s tyre-driven tactics set a precedent for today’s tests, such as McLaren’s Barcelona trial of Leonardo Fornaroli, and Alpine’s appeal for Pierre Gasly in Monaco. Pirelli’s supply deal runs through 2027.

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Fornaroli Debuts FP1

Leonardo Fornaroli debuted in FP1 at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix on 12 June 2026, completing 22 laps in the McLaren MCL40.
The session featured rake work, a soft-tyre block and data from three drivers that showed the car near the leaders, boosting Saturday momentum.
Fornaroli will return to simulator duties in Woking and will take part in a fourth Testing of Previous Cars session at Monza next week.

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