Scuderia Toro Rosso outcast Jean-Eric Vergne has joined the Scuderia Ferrari team as one of its test drivers for the 2015 Formula 1 season. The Frenchman replaces long time Ferrari tester Pedro de la Rosa has left the team.
Having announced another F1 refugee Esteban Gutierrez earlier in the week, Ferrari have now confirmed their driver line-up for next season, with race drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel being backed up by Gutierrez, Vergne, Marc Gene and Davide Rigon.
“I feel very honoured to be joining the Ferrari family and becoming a part of the most prestigious team in the history of Formula One,” said Vergne. “The objective is a unanimous one and that is to help the Scuderia get back to the top step of the podium.
“Having had two years working in the simulator for a top F1 team and three years racing with Toro Rosso, my experience will add to the great efforts that are currently being made in order to get the team back to its winning ways.
“I look forward to fulfilling my dream in becoming a member of the Ferrari Formula One team and having the Tifosi behind me every step of the way.”
Maurizio Arrivabene, Scuderia Ferrari’s Director General and Team Principal, has welcomed Vergne to Ferrari, and believes he will make important contributions towards Ferrari while working in their simulator.
“On behalf of the entire team, I welcome Jean-Eric, who I’m sure will make an important contribution to our development work in the simulator,” said Arrivabene. “He will fit in to a programme aimed at improving important areas, invigorating and strengthening an already strong and capable group of professionals.”
