Force India has confirmed that Mercedes third driver Pascal Wehrlein will drive on the first two days of this week's Barcelona test.
The German will also have two days on running at the in-season tests in Barcelona and Austria. All teams are obliged to give two days to rookie drivers at those tests.
Force India has not announced a third driver of its own and the obvious conclusion is that Wehrlein's involvement is a handy commercial arrangement with Mercedes, supplier of the financially challenged team's power unit and gearbox.
The team will use its old car this week, but says that the VJM08 is on schedule to appear at the second Barcelona test, commencing on Feb. 26.
“As a young driver, any time you can spend in the car is extremely important and you can learn a lot,” said Wehrlein. “I know the simulator already, but I don't have much experience on the track. My first goal in Spain will be to do a great job together with the team, to learn as much as possible and to give good feedback to the engineers.
“I have already driven the world champion Mercedes-Benz F1 W05 Hybrid and the comparison with Sahara Force India will be very exciting for me. The way the team works, how they improve the car and handle problems. All this will help me to gain experience and to reach the next level in my development.”
Team boss Vijay Mallya said: “He’s an exciting young talent who has already proved he has what it takes to be successful at the highest level in motor sport. As a reserve driver for Mercedes-Benz, he’s clearly destined for a career in Formula One and I’m sure the test will be a positive experience on both sides. Being able to call upon Pascal for testing duties is also a clear demonstration of our strong working relationship with our engine partner, Mercedes-Benz, and I thank them for their collaboration.”
