---
title: "Celis Jr to debut new Force India on opening day of testing"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2016/02/18/celis-jr-debut-new-force-india-opening-day-testing/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Cameron Paterson"
section: "F1 News"
published: "2016-02-18T13:36:38Z"
modified: "2016-02-18T13:36:38Z"
---

# Celis Jr to debut new Force India on opening day of testing

Force India have announced their testing programme for the eight days of Formula One testing, with development driver Alfonso Celis Jr. being given his first run of the 2016 season with the team.

This is the beginning of the Mexican’s role at Force India this year alongside race weekend duties, combining this with a drive with AVF in the new Formula V.8 3.5 championship.

Celis Jr. will take part in the first test from 22 to 25 February on the first and fourth days, with Sergio Perez taking part on the second day and Nico Hulkenberg competing on the third day.

In the second test from 1 to 4 March, Hulkenberg will drive on the first and third days, while Perez drives for the second and fourth days, as they gear up for the start of the season.

Fans may be keeping an eye on the testing results as this could be an interesting year for the team, possibly fighting with Red Bull for fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship, having finished in their best finishing position of fifth in 2015.

The new VJM09 car will be unveiled in the pit lane of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya circuit on Monday morning.