Norris targeting top five in Bahrain F2 weekend

Lando Norris has set his sights on top-five finishes in the first two Formula 2 races of the 2018 season in Bahrain this weekend as the McLaren youngster kicks off his first full season in the category.

Norris, 18, made his F2 debut in Abu Dhabi last year following his championship-winning campaign in the European FIA Formula 3 Championship, standing out as one of the leading talents in junior motorsport.

Norris will embark on his first full F2 season in 2018 as he continues to forge a path towards F1 with the Carlin team, starting in Bahrain this weekend.

"I’m going to Bahrain aiming for top-five finishes. Testing at Paul Ricard and in Bahrain went extremely well and we now have a better understanding of the new car," Norris said.

"The team and myself learned a lot and we achieved what we needed to but there is still progress to be made. We’re not fully there with some things so still need to improve but I think that will come with more experience from the races.

"Compared to last year’s Dallara, the 2018 F2 car is slightly heavier while the engine is now turbocharged. It’s a ‘comfortable’ and nice car to drive. Managing the [Pirelli] tyres remains crucial. My pace in Bahrain was fairly good – I just need to find more consistency, putting it all together over a weekend.

"I’m really looking forward to the [mandatory] Feature race pit-stops. I didn’t get to experience it when I made my F2 debut in Abu Dhabi because the engine blew up quite early. We have practiced the stops in both tests.

"The first time we’ll see the true potential of everyone will be in qualifying. Carlin have adapted very well and have done a good job."