Lando Norris is hoping the return to a more familiar circuit will provide a boost at the French Grand Prix this weekend.
Following a strong start to the season, the British rookie has gone pointless at the past three races, including two retirements in Barcelona and Montreal.
Results for teammate Carlos Sainz have proven that McLaren remains a strong contender in the midfield though, and now Norris is keen to turn his fortune around.
“I’m excited to get back racing again after Canada and to experience Paul Ricard in an F1 car for the first time,” he said in his preview.
“I’ll be focusing on getting up to speed as quickly as I can on Friday, but I’ve got previous experience at Ricard, having raced there in Formula Renault and F2 there.”
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The battle for fourth in the Constructors’ standings is heating up though, with Renault making huge ground with a sixth and seventh place in Canada.
For now, McLaren still holds that ‘best of the rest’ position but Norris knows results have to improve.
“The teams in the midfield are really close and we’ve had some good battles over the last few races,” he said.
“We know the fight in France will be just as tough and I’ve been doing plenty of work in the factory to prepare for this weekend.
“As a team, we just have to keep giving it our all at every single race, as small mistakes can cost us.”