Norris out to prove his mettle to Alonso at Daytona

McLaren reserve driver Lando Norris says he'll have a unique opportunity to learn from Fernando Alonso at the upcoming Daytona 24 Hours, but also a chance to prove his mettle.

The reigning European F3 champion will share a United Autosport Ligier JS P217 with Alonso and fellow Brit Phil Hanson in the endurance classic at the end of the month.

The team and its drivers begin their work today however when the three-day 'Roar Before the Rolex 24' test kicks off at Daytona.

"It is a good opportunity for me to learn from him [Alonso] and one I can't let go to waste," said Norris.

"But at the same time I'd like to prove what I can do to him, especially in the qualifying runs or whatever.

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"Daytona is a team [event], so at some point I am going to have to switch and work together.

"We are not going against each other, but of course I'd like to say it is going to be a bit of a competition over who will do a better job over the practice and qualifying runs.

"And whoever does the best, has done the best. It is a good opportunity for me to learn, not just from him, but about everything and hopefully continue it into the category where I am."

While he'll be aiming for a good performance on his own, Norris will also be closely watching his prestigious team mate.

"I'll get to learn a bit more about the work ethic of a Formula 1 driver," said Norris.

"Even though it is a different car, he'll still want to do as well as he can, especially beat his teammates.

"Then I think he'll work as much as he can to try and improve the car, although there'll always be a compromise as you can't change the set-up for every driver.

"Wherever I can learn, I'll try and take onboard and help me."

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