McLaren's Formula 1 team reserve driver Lando Norris will participate in training sessions at the Belgian Grand Prix.

Norris, the top Formula 2 driver, will replace Fernando Alonso in the Free Practice 1 session at the Spa

Motorsport.com was also informed that Norris could return to the FP1 session at Monza by borrowing Stoffel Vandoorne's car

"This is not only part of the ongoing self-development, but also the evaluation and evolution of car performance," said sporting director Gil de Ferran.

"We will see a strategic view of the race-by-race, where this might benefit us in the upcoming grand prix.

"Spa-Francorchamps has a very good reputation as a racer's circuit because of its historical significance and popularity among drivers."

Vandoorne is under pressure to improve its performance if it wants to maintain its seat next year.

If McLaren decided that Norris needed another year of preparation outside of F1 and considered Vandoorne's performance had not been satisfactory, then the team had the option of a junior Mercedes driver, Esteban Ocon.

Ocon, who is currently on the Force India team, is likely to move to Renault in 2019 but his hopes were dashed when the French car manufacturer recruited Daniel Ricciardo.

Ocon's chair is currently in Force India threatened by Lance Stroll.

Source