Rodriguez tests for Spyker at Silverstone

Upcoming Spanish GP2 driver Roldan Rodriguez tested today for the Etihad Aldar Spyker Formula One Team at Silverstone Circuit, UK. The 22-year-old from Valladolid completed a 50km shakedown with the new B-spec F8-VII on the National circuit configuration in advance of this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix. The Spaniard completed 18 laps of the 2.6km track, his first test in a 2007 Formula 1 car.

Roldan commented, "Thank you to the Etihad Aldar Spyker Formula One Team for letting me test today.We have been talking about driving the car at some point this season, but to have the chance to test the new B-spec car was a great opportunity. I was really blown away by the power of the car, and the braking - it's so much more powerful than anything else I've driven."

Team principal Colin Kolles added, "We have been following Roldan's progress since his GP2 podium in Hungary and were pleased to be able to give him the opportunity to drive a Formula 1 car this year. Roldan performed well; we were very impressed by his professional approach and attitude and the team really enjoyed working with him. He gave some excellent feedback that we will be able to integrate into our programme for the future."

Roldan Rodriguez is currently driving for the Minardi Piquet Sports team in the F1 feeder series GP2. Currently 12th in the championship with two rounds remaining, Roldan's season high point has been a podium at the Hungarian Grand Prix in August. Prior to GP2, he competed for several seasons in Spanish Formula 3, finishing second in 2006, Euroseries 3000 and Italian F3000. He was also a test driver for the Minardi F1 Team in 2005.

The Etihad Aldar Spyker Formula One Team will be back in action at the Belgian Grand Prix this weekend with regular drivers Sakon Yamamoto and Adrian Sutil.

-credit: spyker