British Formula 3 champion Jean-Eric Vergne hopes his first fully fledged Formula 1 test with Toro Rosso in Abu Dhabi next week will be a major step in his progress toward a future in grand prix racing. Toro Rosso confirmed today that the the 20-year-old Frenchman will be in its car for the Yas Marina young driver sessions.
"I am delighted to be given this fantastic opportunity and would like to thank Red Bull and Scuderia Toro Rosso," Vergne said. "To date, my only experience behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car has been driving the Red Bull Racing car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Apart from that, I have spent a lot of time in their simulator, providing feedback during the grand prix weekends.
"I am looking forward to these two days in Abu Dhabi and hope there will be other opportunities to drive an F1 car in the future."
Vergne dominated his year's British F3 Championship at the first attempt, and also impressed in a partial Formula Renault 3.5 season.
His FR3.5 teammate Daniel Ricciardo, the other leading member of Red Bull's driver development scheme at present, is set to drive for Red Bull Racing in the Abu Dhabi test.