F1: Gonzalez Lands Marussia Reserve Role

Formula 1

F1: Gonzalez Lands Marussia Reserve Role

Venezuela's Rodolfo Gonzalez will take part in a number of FP1 sessions this season...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted March 14, 2013 Melbourne (AUS)

Rodolfo Gonzalez did the Abu Dhabi Young Driver tests with Lotus Racing/Team Lotus in 2010 and 2011. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Venezuelan GP2 driver Rodolfo Gonzalez has been signed as Marussia’s reserve driver, and will complete some FP1 sessions for the team this year.

The 26-year-old did the Abu Dhabi Young Driver tests with Lotus Racing/Team Lotus in 2010 and 2011, and also tested for the team under its Caterham guise at Mugello in 2012. He also had a run for Force India at Magny-Cours last season.

“We welcome Rodolfo to the Marussia F1 Team and take encouragement from the fact that he has all the right experience to be able to fulfill the role of Reserve Driver in the event that he is required to step into a seat,” said John Booth.

“To further prepare him, we look forward to seeing him take part in a number of FP1 sessions throughout the season, when we will also have the opportunity to evaluate his performances for the future.”

“I am very excited to be joining the Marussia F1 Team and at such an exciting time in their development,” said Gonzalez. “Working closely with the race drivers and engineers at every stage of the race weekend is a fantastic opportunity for me to learn outside of the car, and I hope that I can make a significant contribution to the team’s progress.”

He added: “Although it is a big moment for my career, the people of Venezuela are going through a sad time at present due to the death of President (Hugo) Chavez, so I hope this news lifts their spirits a little. For me, I am disappointed that I was not able to share the news with him personally.”

Adam Cooper notched up his 28th season as a racing journalist in 2012. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.