Norris: McLaren needs to make 'every session count' in final races

©McLaren

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Lando Norris says McLaren will need to make every session count in the final three races of the 2020 season to prevail in the battle for third in F1's Constructors' championship.

Ahead of this season's final triple header that will see teams race on consecutive weekends in Bahrain - twice - and in Abu Dhabi, McLaren is P4 in the Constructors' standings, 5 points behind Racing Point and 13 points ahead of Renault.

As the battle rages on, in-form Racing Point holds an edge over its rivals but Norris believes McLaren can overhaul the pink squad if it keeps its focus from free practice to race day.

"We’re ending the season just like we started it with one final triple-header, and I can’t wait to get back into the rhythm of racing back-to-back again," Norris said ahead of this week's return to Bahrain.

"It’s definitely going to be a tough challenge as we haven’t had a triple-header in a while, but we’re going to give it everything.

"Turkey showed that we’re still in the fight and anything can happen. We just need to make every session count and most of all focus on ourselves."

©McLaren

Last year at Sakhir, Norris finished 6th and scored his first championship points in only his second F1 start. The 20-year-old is hoping for another strong showing under Sakhir's floodlights.

"The circuit in Bahrain usually makes for some good wheel-to-wheel racing with plenty of chances to overtake, especially with the three DRS zones," he said.

"Looking back at last year, Bahrain was one of my best races and it’s where I scored my first points in Formula 1. Hopefully we can continue to score some important points this weekend and kick off the triple-header strong."

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Norris' McLaren teammate Carlos Sainz is expecting an "intense" final stretch in which consistency will be key.

"Consistency is key for the final three races," Sainz said. "We want to score as many points as possible and we will fight until the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi.

"But first we have two rounds in Bahrain, so it’s going to be an intense final triple-header.

"It’s not an easy task after such a compressed calendar this year, but as a team we’re prepared and ready to go racing. Bahrain is a track I’ve always enjoyed and I’m looking forward to racing the two track layouts. Let’s go for it!"

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.