Nathaneal Berthon - Photo Credit: Alastair Staley/ GP2 Series Media Service
HRT have today announced two additions to their testing line-up: GP2 driver Nathaneal Berthon and, from the Formula Renault 3.5 series, Jan Charouz.
The two will take over from Dani Clos, who was in the F111 today at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Berthon will start his testing for the team tomorrow, and will also be in the car on Thursday. “I'm pleased to have the chance to drive in this test for HRT as this will be my first real contact with a Formula 1 car,” said the Frenchman. “Without a doubt, this will be an experience that will reinforce my motivation for the future, and will help me to learn and understand better all the technology of an F1 car and how the tyres react in different situations.
“Formula 1 is what every driver aspires to reach but for me this is another step in my preparation for the future and my long-term objective; I'm just taking this as an experience. My target is to continue working and build my career step by step, and this test is just one more of those small but invaluable steps”.
Before Berthon gets his chance tomorrow, Czech driver Charouz will step into the car. “Although it is not my first time in a Formula 1 car, it will no doubt be a new and interesting experience since it is the first time I drive the current car,” he said. “It will also be the first time I test the new Pirelli tyres. I have driven with this brand's tyres in other categories but surely the performance and behaviour of the PZero will be surprising. It will be a great opportunity and I thank HRT for giving me the chance to test with them tomorrow”.
