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Originally Posted by kipper
I think a point worth noting is that the McLaren test was part of the team's obligations to Marlboro (so that they could offer a prize for sponsoring F3). As such, it wasn't a 'shoot out' for a drive or anything of that ilk. A reasonably similar comparison is the McLaren test for the Autosport/BRDC award - whilst a considerable number of drivers have tested, only Coulthard and Button have ever raced for the team (although I appreciate that a few more have been test drivers/reserves).
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This. It was never a trial for a race seat.
This from MotorSport regarding that period of Tommy's career.
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....he starred in the end-of-season non-championship Formula 3 race at Thruxton by finishing second with a Murray Taylor Racing Ralt RT3-Toyota.
Formula 3 success and F1 struggles
It was the prelude to a full season in the British series in 1982 and Byrne began by winning five of the opening six races. By mid-season the title appeared his and such was his success that Byrne joined Theodore’s Formula 1 team from the German GP. He retired in both Austria and Las Vegas but failed to qualify on a further three occasions. This F1 diversion almost cost him the F3 title – missing three races – but he clinched the title at the final round.
Part of his prize was an F1 test with McLaren but his confident manner annoyed many and perhaps thwarted progress. Instead, Byrne raced in European F3 for Eddie Jordan and then Anson during 1983 and 1984 respectively.
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https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/d...rs/tommy-byrne