Photo by: XPB Images
Alexander rossi is confirmed as Caterham Formula 1 team official test driver and will race for Arden Caterham in World Series by Renault fr 3.5 in 2012
Alexander Rossi has been confirmed today as Caterham F1 Team's Official Test Driver, joining Race Drivers Heikki Kovalainen and Vitaly Petrov in the Anglo-Malaysian team driver line-up. Alexander's Formula 1 role will have him take part in the Formula 1 race weekend events free practice sessions in 2012, along with work in the F1 Simulator; helping him gain further experience at the highest level of global motorsport, as he takes the next step towards a race seat with Caterham F1 Team.
In addition, Arden Caterham Motorsport will race the talented American Rossi (20); joining the team to contend for the 2012 World Series by Renault FR 3.5 Championship, completing the Arden Caterham line up with teammate Lewis Williamson.
Alexander joins the team following a successful first year in 2011 World Series by Renault FR 3.5, where he finished third overall and won the Rookie Championship with 2 wins and 7 podiums. Alexander's role with Arden Caterham motorsport is the ideal alignment to his relationship and duties with the Caterham F1 Team as their Official Test Driver coupled with Friday Formula 1 practice sessions.
For the 2012 season, World Series by Renault FR 3.5 championship will introduce a new car. Testing begins this next week, March 13 - 14th at Paul Ricard circuit in southern France. The last time Alexander race there in 2011 he came away with a victory and he is looking forward to continuing with this trend.
I feel really comfortable with everyone and am looking forward to growing as a professional
Alexander Rossi
"I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to make this dual announcement today. My goal to be in Formula One is one step closer after being signed as Test Driver for Caterham F1 Team. I want to thank Tony Fernandes, Kamarudin Meranun and Riad Asmat for their trust in me and long term commitment to my career. The Caterham F1 Team support, coupled with the efforts of my management and investors, has brought my goal of reaching an F1 race seat one step closer. 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!"
Tony Fernandes, Team Principal, Caterham F1 Team
"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."
Julian Rouse, Arden Sporting Director
"Everyone here is absolutely delighted to be working with Alexander in 2012. He had a fantastic first year in FR 3.5 in 2011 and we will be working as hard as we can to continue his development and create the opportunity for him to challenge for the championship. We are a new team to the series in 2012, but we have a very talented group of people in place that have a huge amount of experience in many categories including FR 3.5 and with Alexander and Lewis's ability to consider, the aim is to be right at the front straight away."
Garry Horner, Arden Director
"We are happy to have Alexander joining the team in our inaugural year in World Series by Renault. We are confident that with Alexander's experience, we will do very well this season and obtain the results we are expecting to achieve."
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