Dani Clos - Photo Credit: HRT
Dani Clos will replace Narain Karthikeyan for Free Practice 1 this Friday in Spain, HRT have today announced.
The Spaniard, who is the official test driver for the team, will be driving the F112 for the first time.
“I'm delighted to have this opportunity,” said the 23-year-old. “It's something I've fought for all my life; to make my debut in Formula 1 and, above all, to be able to do it at the Circuit de Catalunya which is something very special for me. Besides, I'm extremely lucky to be able to do it with a Spanish team, alongside another Spanish driver who I admire and at home. I can't ask for more!
“It's the ideal situation and I'm proud to be where I am with the people who have always been with me and still are. I hope to extract a lot of data from this practice session, contribute with positive things to the team and do my job in the best way I can. I feel 100% ready and I can't wait for the moment I step into the car and hit the track”.
HRT team principal Luis Pérez-Sala, hinted that he thinks the ninety-minute session on Friday morning will be some sort of truly momentous occasion. “I'm very proud and happy that this moment has arrived and that we've given Dani the chance to get in the car on Friday's first free practice session at such a special and important Grand Prix as is a home Grand Prix,” he said.
“In this first contact he will drive next to Pedro de la Rosa and will have the chance to drive the new F112 for the first time. It's an important session given the short amount of time on track that we have and more so when you take into account the various aerodynamic upgrades which we have brought. Dani is a great driver and I have no doubt that he will do a good job.”
