GP3 and Formula Renault 3.5 driver Alfonso Celis Jr has joined the Force India F1 team as a development driver.
The Mexican will get his first taste of F1 machinery at the season-ending Abu Dhabi tyre test, driving the VJM08.
He will share work duties at the Yas Marina Circuit with the Silverstone-based outfit's race driver Nico Hulkenberg. Next season Celis Jr will complete simulator work at Force India's factory, as well as being handed seven first practice outings.
The 19-year-old has previously raced in Formula Renault 2.0, British Formula 3 and the FIA European Formula 3 Championship. Celis Jr made his GP3 debut for Status Grand Prix in 2014, finishing 21st overall with two points.
He moved to ART Grand Prix for this season and is currently 13th in the standings and has also raced for AVF in the Formula Renault 3.5 series.
"Ever since I started racing I’ve been dreaming of Formula 1, so it’s a huge honour to begin working with Sahara Force India," he said.
"It’s an amazing opportunity for me to learn about Formula 1 and to work closely with the engineers and race drivers.
"Being on the track in Abu Dhabi will be an incredible feeling. It’s going to be the biggest moment in my career and I am fully focussed on doing a good job for the team."
Force India team principal Vijay Mallya added: "I would like to welcome Alfonso to the team and wish him well ahead of his debut with us in Abu Dhabi.
"As our development driver we will work hard to prepare him for the demands of driving in Formula 1 and provide a good grounding in all aspects of the job. It’s a fantastic opportunity for Alfonso to learn from Sergio and Nico, and to get valuable mileage in the car."
This article first appeared on Richland F1.
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| © Octane Photographic |
He will share work duties at the Yas Marina Circuit with the Silverstone-based outfit's race driver Nico Hulkenberg. Next season Celis Jr will complete simulator work at Force India's factory, as well as being handed seven first practice outings.
The 19-year-old has previously raced in Formula Renault 2.0, British Formula 3 and the FIA European Formula 3 Championship. Celis Jr made his GP3 debut for Status Grand Prix in 2014, finishing 21st overall with two points.
He moved to ART Grand Prix for this season and is currently 13th in the standings and has also raced for AVF in the Formula Renault 3.5 series.
"Ever since I started racing I’ve been dreaming of Formula 1, so it’s a huge honour to begin working with Sahara Force India," he said.
"It’s an amazing opportunity for me to learn about Formula 1 and to work closely with the engineers and race drivers.
"Being on the track in Abu Dhabi will be an incredible feeling. It’s going to be the biggest moment in my career and I am fully focussed on doing a good job for the team."
Force India team principal Vijay Mallya added: "I would like to welcome Alfonso to the team and wish him well ahead of his debut with us in Abu Dhabi.
"As our development driver we will work hard to prepare him for the demands of driving in Formula 1 and provide a good grounding in all aspects of the job. It’s a fantastic opportunity for Alfonso to learn from Sergio and Nico, and to get valuable mileage in the car."
This article first appeared on Richland F1.
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