Vandoorne desperate to perform in front of home fans as he fights for McLaren seat

Stoffel Vandoorne is looking forward to his home return this weekend in Belgium. The McLaren driver remains optimistic about the second half of the season as he looks to fight for a place in the papaya orange car next year.

He has scored just eight points this season. This is almost 40 points shy of team-mate Fernando Alonso. After some testing races, including a DNF last time out in Hungary, Vandoorne admits he's ready to return after a much-needed break.

“I’ve never felt more ready to come back after the summer break! I’ve really enjoyed the time away, being able to switch off and spend time with friends and family that I don’t often get to see much between races, but I’m definitely looking forward to getting back in the car," Vandoorne said in an interview on Formulaspy.

Vandoorne grew up in Belgium, and with Spa Francorchamps a major circuit in this country, he can rely on his experience to generate some momentum.

"Spa is also my favourite track – as it is for many other drivers – and I’ve raced there all through my junior career, so it feels like a second home for me and I hope we can put on a good show for the Belgian fans," Vandoorne added.

“My home race is always one of the key highlights of the season, and every year I go there we see more and more passionate fans in the grandstands."

Lando Norris moving closer and closer to an F1 seat. The young Brit will join Vandoorne in the McLaren garage for the first practice session on Friday. Without a doubt, Norris' performance will be marked as he looks to hunt down Vandoorne's seat.