Ferrari graduate will also continue to drive in GP2
Wednesday 31 December 2014 09:39, UK
Raffaele Marciello, part of Ferrari’s Driver Academy, has been appointed Sauber’s test and reserve driver for 2015.
The highly-rated Italian youngster will also continue to race in GP2 with Racing Engineering. Marciello claimed his maiden victory in the series at Spa in September and tested an F1 car for the first time in November when he drove the F14 T on the final day of the Abu Dhabi Test, finishing second fastest.
Sauber have also confirmed that Marciello will take part in an unspecified number of Friday practice sessions in 2015.
“I am really pleased to become a member of the Sauber F1 Team, which has a long term tradition in building up excellent drivers” said Marciello.
"I really think that this is the best choice for my future career. I am also happy to compete for one more season in the GP2 Series, which, together with my new F1 role, will give me a very busy 2015 season. I want to thank the Ferrari Driver Academy for giving me this important opportunity, and now I really can’t wait to start delivering my best.”
The appointment of the 20-year-old Marciello follows the recent announcement that ousted Sauber driver Esteban Gutierrez has joined Ferrari to be their reserve for 2015 while Toro Rosso outcast Jean-Eric Vergne will be the Scuderia’s new test and development driver.
Sauber, meanwhile, have chosen an all-new line-up of Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Nasr for 2015.
It's expected that Marciello will replace Giedo van der Garde as Sauber’s test driver following the Swiss outfit’s decision to overlook the Dutchman for 2015.
“We are pleased to announce Raffaele Marciello as our test and reserve driver for the 2015 season," said team boss Monisha Kaltenborn. "He proved his great talent in junior formulas, and his season in the European Formula 3 Championship with 13 wins and the title victory was particularly impressive.
"We will give Raffaele the opportunity to become familiar with Formula 1, which also includes him taking part in some free practice sessions on Friday. It’s great for our team to be part of his way to Formula 1.”
