European F3 frontrunner Norris completed 91 laps and the second quickest time - a 1m17.385s - on the ultrasoft tyres to finish 0.271s adrift of Ferrari pace-setter Sebastian Vettel.

“Lando has impressed us all with his maturity, professionalism and speed, and has got to grips very quickly with the car in only his first outing in the MCL32,” said Boullier.

“His feedback with the engineers has been valuable and accurate, and he’s certainly an asset to our test driver line-up – not to mention a potential star of the future.”

Norris completed aerodynamic data gathering, set-up adjustments, high-fuel longer runs and single-lap pace.

“It’s been a really good day – and a very productive one for all of us,” said Norris, who drove a 2011 McLaren MP4-26 earlier this year in Portugal in preparation for Wednesday’s test.

“I managed to get through all the tests that the team asked me to complete, and everything went well.

“Getting used to the car was a bit of a challenge at first, but by the end of the day I felt very comfortable. I got a lot of laps under my belt and I really enjoyed the experience.

“Finally, I want to say a big thanks to the team for giving me this opportunity. Hopefully it will be the first of many!”

The test was part of his prize for winning the 2016 McLaren Autosport BRDC Award, which also includes the role as a test and simulator driver.