Dani Clos - Photo Credit: Alastair Staley/GP2 Media Service
HRT have recruited Spanish rookie Dani Clos as their test driver for the 2012 season.
The 23-year-old from Barcelona will take part in Friday practice sessions, travel to each grand prix this season, and be with the team for the third pre-season test in Barcelona from 1st March.
Clos was part of the team’s line-up for the Young Driver test in Abu Dhabi last November.
“I'm very proud to be a part of HRT Formula 1 Team,” he said. “It is a great step in my career, something that I have dreamt of all my life and, finally, my dream is starting to come true.
“I'm very impressed with the job the team is doing; they're achieving fantastic things in a short space of time. The team has changed a lot since we met in the Abu Dhabi tests and I think it's a great opportunity and an honor to form a part of this new team. What they're achieving is very important for motorsport in our country and has a lot of potential. Also, being alongside Pedro de la Rosa is very important for me, since he and Karthikeyan can positively contribute to me becoming a better driver.
“I want to thank Saúl Ruiz de Marcos and Luis Pérez-Sala for the trust they've shown in me from the start and, above all, I would like to thank the people who have always been by my side, such as Leonardo Soldevila and my father. For me a new chapter is beginning, one where hard work and dedication are going to be my priorities; I'm going to give it my all so that this phase is as successful as it can possibly be for the team, my teammates and myself”.
“I’m very happy to have Dani on the team,” added team principal Luis Pérez-Sala. “He’s a quick, talented driver who, above all, is very willing to progress. The incorporation of Clos is another step in our project of restructuring HRT but also fits in with our desire to promote young motorsport talents. I’m sure that it will be a very positive experience for both parties.”
