Duo confirmed for tyre-testing roles

Jaime Alguersuari and Lucas di Grassi have today been confirmed as Pirelli’s new test and development drivers for this season.

Brazilian Di Grassi, who performed the role single-handedly last year, has been joined by Spaniard Alguersuari following his release from Toro Rosso at the end of last season.

Both drivers will drive Pirelli’s latest test car – a 2010 Renault R30 – in four development tests this year at Jerez, Spa, Monza and Barcelona as they help develop the tyre manufacturer’s range of rubber for next year, and potentially new compounds which could be seen later this season.

Pirelli motor sport director Paul Hembery said: “Our commitment to providing the best possible spectacle in Formula One is underlined by the fact we have two extremely fast and talented test drivers this year.

“Lucas will provide us with the reference point we need from the development programme so far, while Jaime brings an extra dimension from his experience of racing at the sharp end of the field throughout the last three seasons.

“This is a great chance for Lucas and Jaime to not only hone their testing and development skills, but also to potentially follow our former test drivers like Romain Grosjean, Pedro de la Rosa and Nick Heidfeld in returning to F1 or another top-flight motor sport programme in the future.”