Colombian GP2 Series driver Julian Leal will make his Formula One testing debut in the post-Silverstone test next week for the Caterham F1 Team. He becomes the third driver to be confirmed to get some seat time at the test after Briton Will Stevens and Indonesian Rio Haryanto.
Leal is making a good impression while driving for Carlin in GP2 this year, and has finished on the podium twice this season and sits fifth in the championship.
“I am very excited about my first Formula 1 test and I would like to thank Caterham F1 Team and everyone who has helped make this opportunity possible,” said Leal. “I’m having a good weekend at Silverstone already and am now fifth in the GP2 Championship after a strong race on Saturday.
“As I’m racing on the same circuit this weekend as I’ll test on next week that’s obviously a benefit but there is clearly a big step up to F1 from GP2, particularly in terms of the infrastructure I will be working with on track. With that in mind my main goal is to learn as much as I possibly can and help the team work through the program they set – I know I will be given all the help and advice I need, now I just want to get started!”
New Caterham F1 Team CEO Christijan Albers is pleased to be giving the Colombian some time in the car at Silverstone. He believes the twenty-four year old will do a good job when he steps into the Caterham CT05 for the first time.
“I am very pleased that we have been able to give Julian this opportunity and I am sure he will do a very good job for us in his test,” said Albers. “He is an exciting young talent, showing this year in GP2 just what he is capable of, and the natural next step for him is F1.
“We have been able to help him make that progression at the Silverstone test and now it is up to him to make the most of it. We will give him all the guidance he will need and I am sure he will do a great job.”
