Force India has announced that test and development driver Alfonso Celis will drive in next week’s opening practice for the Austrian Grand Prix.
The Mexican has already made two of his seven scheduled FP1 outings this year, having deputised for Sergio Perez in Bahrain and Nico Hulkenberg in Russia.
Celis was also given the opportunity to debut this year’s VJM09 in winter testing in Barcelona before returning to action on the final day of the first pre-season test. The 19-year-old also drove on both days of the post-Spanish Grand Prix test.
Beside his F1 commitment, Celis competes this year in the rebranded Formula V8 3.5 championship where he currently occupies ninth position with one podium finish to his name.
Force India has yet to confirm who will make way for the Mexican teenager at the Red Bull Ring. Celis has already said he is keen to prove the team that he can be considered for a race seat in 2017.
The Silverstone factory is buzzing as we prepare for Austria where our development driver @FonsoCelisJr will be driving opening practice.
— Sahara Force India (@ForceIndiaF1) 23 juin 2016
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