Toro Rosso to test Jean-Eric Vergne in Friday practice sessions in remainder of 2011 season
Toro Rosso will test Jean-Eric Vergne in the Friday practice sessions at three out of the four remaining races of the 2011 Formula 1 season.
Vergne was Formula 3 champion in 2010 and 2011 and is set to make his debut at the Korean Grand Prix this weekend on Friday. He will be taking over Jaime Alguersuari’s car for his debut.
He will not be participating at the Indian Grand Prix, so that his teammates Alguersuari and Sebastian Buemi are able to maximise their running time at the newly developed Buddh International Circuit, though he will return for Brazil and Abu Dhabi.
Toro Rosso said, “Jaime sits out the session because the last time a driver was replaced on Friday morning; it was Sebastien Buemi who gave up his seat to Daniel Ricciardo. Vergne will not drive at the Indian Grand Prix, because this is a new circuit and
therefore both our race drivers will be given the maximum amount of track time.”
“He will return in Abu Dhabi, replacing Buemi. At the final round of the season in Brazil, whichever of the Toro Rosso drivers has the least points will give up his seat to Vergne for FP1,” the statement added.
Vergne drove his first Formula 1 car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2010, while driving a Red Bull RB5. He drove for Toro Rosso in the post-season young driver test in November.
According to reports from Autosport.com, Vergne might be Toro Rosso’s official third driver in 2012. He also took part in the 2010 young driver Formula 1 tests in Abu Dhabi with Toro Rosso.
The young 21-year-old Frenchman is considered to be a very talented driver and it would be interesting to see how his career opens up for him. For now, we will get a glimpse of what he is capable of at the practice sessions of this season.
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