F1: McLaren happy for Vandoorne to race

McLaren racing director Eric Boullier says competing in Japan's Super Formula class would be a "good preparation" for Stoffel Vandoorne before stepping up to Formula 1.

Vandoorne romped to the 2015 GP2 title, but with F1 world champions Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button sticking around, McLaren has no room to promote its junior star. With all parties keen to avoid a repeat of Kevin Magnussen's 2015 on the sidelines, Vandoorne is set to race in the Japanese single-seater class next year.

Boullier says combining a Super Formula campaign with a Honda-powered team with McLaren F1 reserve duties would suit Vandoorne.

"I would like him to be third driver here and do Super Formula," said Boullier. "There are two objectives: one is to get the speed and the fitness for the driver and the other is the Super Formula car has a lot of grip, which is good preparation.

"It is better to be a third driver here and racing than doing something else. You have to keep your chances open."

While the Belgian's test with Team Dandelion Racing at Suzuka last month (BELOW) was marred by an engine problem, Boullier said Vandoorne's performance was "very good."

"He had a few issues with his engine but the test went very well," he added. "He couldn't do many laps in the dry, so it was not representative. But the test in the wet in the afternoon, with the same conditions and the same tires, he was matching the fastest times."

Originally on Autosport.com