Force India has unveiled Lucas Auer and Nikita Mazepin as their two drivers for the two-day test after the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Auer is currently running in DTM for Mercedes and is currently second in the series, two points behind the Swede of Mattias Ekstrom. The Austrian is also the nephew of former Formula 1 driver Gerhard Berger.
The 22-year old said: “It’s really exciting news – the most beautiful moment of my life. For me, it’s a childhood dream come true to drive an F1 car for the first time. I’m particularly proud that this will happen with Sahara Force India – a top Formula One team.
“I must say thank you to everybody who has worked to make this possible, especially to the team at Force India who have given me this opportunity. I will be aiming to make the most of the test – and, of course, I’ll be savouring every second of it.”
Mazepin is currently the test and reserve driver for Force India and already has some previous testing experience with the team, the 18-year old is competing in the Euro F3 series and currently sits 15th in the championship.
Having already tested 2016 machinery with Force India, this test will help him become more familiar with the uprated performance the cars have undergone in 2017.
“I’m really looking forward to testing with Sahara Force India again,” the Russian added. “I’ve been working with the team for over a year and it’s great to get another chance to drive the car. The last time I drove an F1 car was in 2016 so it’s going to be interesting to make a comparison with the new 2017 regulations.
“I learned so much from the last test and it’s an important part of my development as a driver. I’ve been doing lots of simulator work to get ready for the test and I’m working hard to make sure I deliver everything the team expects from me.”
