Force India has announced that test and development driver Alfonso Celis will return to the wheel of the VJM09 for the opening practice of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
The Mexican has already made three of his seven scheduled FP1 outings this year, having driven in Bahrain, Russia, and Austria. He will deputise for Nico Hulkenberg in Italy.
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, while fellow development driver Nikita Mazepin took part in the post-British Grand Prix group session held at Silverstone.
Beside his F1 commitment, Celis competes this year in the rebranded Formula V8 3.5 championship where he currently lies 11th with one podium finish to his name.
Ready to #FeelTheFonz? @FonsoCelisJr returns to the car for FP1 in Monza as he continues his development programme! pic.twitter.com/rDfuUjkguH
— Sahara Force India (@ForceIndiaF1) August 30, 2016
During FP1 on Friday, @FonsoCelisJr will take over Nico's VJM09. The Temple of Speed, @Autodromo_Monza, awaits! pic.twitter.com/iJeA4bCQoz
— Sahara Force India (@ForceIndiaF1) August 30, 2016
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