Herta back in the saddle with Cadillac for Hungary FP1

Cadillac has confirmed that Colton Herta will participate in FP1 for this weekend’s Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix.

The American marque has taken the former IndyCar star under its wing in what is its debut season in the sport, with Herta participating in Formula 2 with its backing via a seat with Hitech.

As its official test driver, Herta has the benefit of working closely with the team, as Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas continue to help the Silverstone-based squad navigate its nascent steps in the world of F1.

Herta’s first appearance was in place of Perez in FP1 for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, and at the Hungaroring, in which he will also balance his F2 duty, will take Bottas’ seat in the MAC-26.

“It’s very exciting to get another chance in FP1,” he said. “It’s a good opportunity for my personal experience, but the ultimate goal is, of course, to help the team with its development. It’s been six weeks since I was last in the car, and there’s been a lot of evolution in that time.

“My job is to help the race drivers have the best possible Hungarian Grand Prix – but also provide the feedback that will aid the team in its long-term development aims and give me a better baseline in future sessions.”

Overall, four F1 teams will field rookie drivers in Friday’s first practice at the Hungaroring.

• Read also: McLaren hands Fornaroli second FP1 shot in Hungary

In addition to Herta, McLaren junior Leonardo Fornaroli will deputize for Oscar Piastri at the wheel of team papaya’s updated MCL40, while Toyota protégé Hyo Hirakawa will replace Oliver Bearman in the opening session.

Finally, Franco Colapinto will vacate his Alpine seat in favor of F1 reserve Paul Aron who has already enjoyed two FP1 outings this season, in Barcelona and Austria, with… Audi.

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