Race seat a "target" for Stoffel Vandoorne

McLaren test driver Stoffel Vandoorne has said he is confident about securing a race seat in Formula One next year.

The Belgian, who dominated GP2 last year, made his first F1 start this year at the Bahrain Grand Prix, standing in for the injured Fernando Alonso, but was forced to wait for a full-time drive after McLaren re-signed Alonso's team mate Jenson Button.

"Discussions are ongoing I think; it's pretty normal at this stage," he said. "I still want to be in Formula 1 next year, it's definitely my target, and I have a very good feeling about it, that I will be there – hopefully that will be with McLaren.

"I have a contract here and it's definitely the place I want to be, [but] if for some reason this can't happen then I'm confident that there are other options available," he added. "I don't know, I'm a racing driver, I feel I can perform in any car."

Currently racing in Super Formula in Japan while he awaits his F1 chance, Vandoorne is confident that he will be able to perform when his time comes.

"I've won almost in every car I've driven, so I'm pretty sure I can guide the team and I feel ready to do that," he said. "I feel 100 percent ready for it, it's just I need to wait and get the time now."