F1: Rossi Set For Friday FP1 Sessions With Caterham

Formula 1

F1: Rossi Set For Friday FP1 Sessions With Caterham

Alexander Rossi will be taking part in FP1 sessions in 2012...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted March 09, 2012 Balen (BEL)

Alexander Rossi made his maiden F1 test outing for Caterham in Abu Dhabi late last year. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Alexander Rossi has been confirmed as Caterham’s test driver, backing up Giedo van der Garde, the already announced reserve driver

The team says that Rossi “will be taking part in FP1 sessions in 2012, helping him to gain further experience at the highest level of global motorsport and further embedding him within the Caterham F1 Team.”

He will also race for Caterham in the Renault 3.5 series.

Team boss Tony Fernandes said: “Today’s announcement marks an important next step for Caterham F1 Team and Alexander’s career. As our official F1 test driver, Alexander is a key figure in our long-term plans, and the investment we are making in him now will help him make the most of the natural talent he has at his disposal.

“We see 2012 as an important year for Alexander as he will be combining a full calendar in World Series by Renault, a championship he has a very good chance of winning, with his test driver role, and giving him the chance to take part in FP1 gives him the platform from which he can grow into an even bigger F1 role.”

Rossi said: "In the past year I have spent time in Hingham at the factory and built solid relationships right across the team. I feel really comfortable with everyone and am looking forward to growing as a professional with Caterham and acquiring as much experience as possible from Friday practice, the F1 simulator and time with the team.

“Winter training has been very good as Pro Performance, Caterham F1 Team’s physios, are looking after all my fitness and nutrition, preparing me for this season and my next step to F1. I am fully ready for the task at hand. I have not been in a car since the F1 rookie test in Abu Dhabi last November, but have been on the simulator.

“I am very eager for World Series by Renault testing to begin next week and get down to work, where I’ll be running with Arden Caterham in the classic green and yellow colors. The 2011 season was good, but now I have that experience under my belt and I’m determined to fight for the championship throughout the 2012 season. This is going to be an incredible year!”

Adam Cooper notched up his 27th season as a racing journalist in 2011. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.