Gary Paffett to stay at McLaren as a test driver for 2012 F1 season – Formula 1 news
McLaren have announced that their current test driver Gary Paffett will stay with the team for the 2012 Formula 1 season.
Paffett, who has been with the McLaren team since 2005, had his contract with the team until the 2011 season but recently the Woking-based team decided that the British man will stay with the team for one more year.
Commenting on Paffett’s contribution to the team, Martin Whitmarsh stated, “Gary has become a vital part of our technical support and development team - both at the track and in the simulator. Both Gary and the team believes that this deal will underline
his reputation as a strong development driver and a true team player.”
Gary himself commented on his contract renewal and stated, “I’m extremely pleased to have renewed my relationship with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. As everybody knows, success in Formula One is developed through the strength and duration of relationships.
I’ve been a part of this team for more than five years, and it’s a place where I really feel happy.”
Paffett has been McLaren’s test driver alongside Pedro de la Rosa. The British man has not had a chance to drive the McLaren car in the 2011 Formula 1 season so far but still his input for the development of the car is considered valuable.
In his stay at McLaren, Paffett tried several times to get a proper racing seat in one of the 12 Formula 1 teams but every time his way was blocked by someone else. He was well in contention of getting a seat at McLaren in the 2007 season but Lewis Hamilton
was taken onboard instead.
Paffett has a career in German Touring Cars (DTM) racing where he drives for the Mercedes team. He has also previously competed in Formula 3 championship where he won the title with 13 wins, 13 pole positions and 13 fastest laps.
Paffett is currently competing in DTM and is ninth on the championship table with four points.
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