F1: Vergne joins Ferrari as de la Rosa leaves

Published Dec. 19, 2014 1:50 p.m. ET

Adam Cooper

Jean-Eric Vergne has joined Ferrari to work on car development in the team's simulator.

The Frenchman replaces Pedro de la Rosa, who is leaving the team at the end of the month. Ferrari has already confirmed that Esteban Gutierrez will be the third driver, while Marc Gene and Davide Rigon both stay on as test drivers.

“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 team principal Maurizio Arrivabene. “He will fit in to a program aimed at improving important areas, invigorating and strengthening an already strong and capable group of professionals.”

“The objective is a unanimous one and that is to help the Scuderia get back to the top step of the podium,” said Vergne. “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 Scuderia Ferrari and having the tifosi behind me every step of the way.”