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F1: Hildebrand To Test For Force India
Rookie drivers will test at Jerez early in December...
Adam Cooper  | http://www.speedtv.com  |  Posted November 24, 2009   Balen (BEL)

John R Hildebrand Jr. is planning on testing for Force India with other rookies at Jerez in December. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Indy Lights champion JR Hildebrand is to test for Force India at Jerez on December 1-3. The Californian will be joined by DTM star Paul di Resta, who has previously had some mileage with McLaren.

The Jerez test is open only to rookie drivers, and will feature a range of champions from across the globe. Among the others to take part will be 2008 BMW World Finals winner Alex Rossi, who will drive a BMW Sauber.

“I'm ecstatic to get my first taste of F1,” said Hildebrand in a team statement. “I've heard so much about the performance of the cars and know this is going to be quicker and more responsive than anything I've ever sat in before. I know it's a big challenge but I feel ready to tackle it.

“The aim is to learn the track and the car and then hopefully show my potential. As an American we don't necessarily have the culture of F1 but anything that's so impressive and cutting-edge demands respect. I hope I can do the car and myself justice. Thanks to everyone for making this happen, I can't wait to get to Jerez.”

Di Resta, cousin of IRL champion Dario Franchitti, said: “I am thrilled to be joining Force India for this test. It's been a while since I last tested an F1 car but I've been working hard in the simulator and giving it my all in the DTM so I'm confident I'll be up to speed quickly.

“It's an exciting opportunity for me as F1 has always been my dream and I feel this is taking me one step closer to achieving it. I'm realistic that I've got a lot to prove and that I need a bit more experience of the cars and the F1 environment before getting a permanent seat but this is just the beginning of what I hope will be a very bright future with Force India. I'd like to thank Mercedes for giving me this opportunity and to Force India for being so supportive.”

Team boss Vijay Mallya indicated that a third driver role is up for grabs. Di Resta is a protégé of Mercedes, and there may be a push from the manufacturer to land him the role.

“Both of their showings in the simulator were excellent and we had no hesitations in offering them some valuable testing,” said Mallya. “We will be looking at their performance on track very closely and should they perform well, as we are confident they will, we will look at a permanent role for one within the team in 2010, potentially as a test and reserve driver.

“As a young team we are looking for drivers who can grow with us. As we've always said, nationality isn't the primary selection criteria - it's talent and dedication to the cause and we have seen enough to know that these two have both.”
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