DTM driver Lucas Auer will get behind the wheel of a F1 car for the first time, when he takes part in the in-season test at Budapest for the Sahara Force India F1 Team, following the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The Austrian, who drives for Mercedes and is currently sat second in the DTM world championship, will share driving duties in Budapest with European Formula 3 driver Nikita Mazepin, with each driver scheduled to run for half a day on both the Tuesday and Wednesday of the two-day session.
Auer, who is the nephew of former F1 driver Gerhard Berger, has had a varied career in motorsport so far, having competed in the Toyota Racing Series, as well as the European Formula 3 championship, where he finished third overall in 2013.
The 22-year-old has also tried his hand in the FIA WEC championship, and is now competing in the DTM Series, where he is proving to be a strong competitor.
The Austrian was over the moon to be given the opportunity to test drive a F1 car with Force India.
“Really exciting news – the most beautiful moment of my life.
“For me, it’s a childhood dream come true to drive a F1 car for the first time. I’m particularly proud that this will happen with Sahara Force India – a top Formula One team.
“I must say thank you to everybody who has worked to make this possible, especially to the team at Force India who have given me this opportunity.
“I will be aiming to make the most of the test – and, of course, I’ll be savouring every second of it.”
Team Principal and Managing Director of Sahara Force India, Vijay Mallya, was pleased to be able to give Auer his first taste of F1.
“We are pleased to be running two talented youngsters at the Budapest test. I’m delighted to welcome Lucas to the team and will follow his progress closely.
“It’s always a special moment when a driver gets to experience a F1 car for the first time and I’m pleased Lucas can make his debut in one of our cars.”
