In the round-up: Lando Norris believes McLaren are closer to winning races than they have been for a long time
In brief
McLaren close to winning – Norris
McLaren’s Lando Norris believes his team, which he recently signed a contract extension with, are as close to winning a grand prix than they have been since he joined them.
“There were moments we were close to winning races last year and a few races we were not miles away from a Red Bull,” Norris said. “And last year, when you think of it, it was the most competitive car ever in Formula 1 and a few races we were extremely, extremely close.
“So with the knowledge of if you want to win one race, we’re the closest we have ever been since I’ve been here at McLaren and for many, many years. But fighting for a championship is a bigger step. If you ask me ‘do you think you can win races this year’, I’d probably be more inclined to say yes. But to go straight into, ‘can you win races and a championship’, I think that’s another level.”
Camara victorious in FRMEC
Rafael Camara took victory in the third and final race in the Formula Regional Middle East Championship in Dubai, beating championship leader Tuukka Taponen.
Camara led every lap from pole position to win ahead of Ferrari academy driver Taponen as the race finished behind the Safety Car. Brando Badoer was third for a second straight race.
The result gives Taponen a comfortable lead of 32 points after three of five rounds. The series returns to Yas Marina for a final time next weekend before concluding back in Dubai the following week.
Lacorte and Ngatoa win in FROC
There were two new winners in the Formula Regional Oceania Championship at New Zealand’s Hampton Downs circuit yesterday.
Alpine academy drive Lacorte won the reverse-grid second race of the weekend following a race-ending red flag for a dramatic crash for Gerrard Xie. In race three, Kaleb Ngatoa beat championship leader Roman Bilinski, who extended his advantage to 50 points over Liam Sceats.
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”I think that he’s such a consummate professional that he will lift every area of the team. I think the difference perhaps, from certainly when I was there and Fernando was there, is that they’ve shown their potential over the last few years.”
Martins and O’Sullivan: The duo tasked with helping ART Grand Prix retain both titles in 2024 (F2)
‘But that means they enter the 2024 season with a target on their back, with all 10 rival teams vying to take their place at the top. This is something that, as they prepare for the year ahead back at their factory in France, they have experienced in Formula 2 yet. In preparation for this, ART have armed themselves with a line-up featuring 2023’s top rookie Victor Martins, and last year’s runner-up in Formula 3, Zak O’Sullivan. But which qualities do they have to help the team defend their titles?’
Power Encouraged by Progress of Hybrid Testing This Week (IndyCar)
‘Power said the development of the hybrid system has made significant strides since he drove with it in the late months of 2023. IndyCar officials have not committed to a debut date of the system or announced rules pertaining to it, but Power is confident it will be good for the series and its partners.’
‘When we were offered the chance to ride with F1 driver Valtteri Bottas and pro cyclist Tiffany Cromwell, who were we to turn that opportunity down! While in Australia Alex got the chance to meet them both for a gravel adventure.’
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Happy birthday to Tom Watson and Ian Hayward!