- Marussia
Rossi joins Marussia as reserve driver
Alexander Rossi has been announced as Marussia's reserve driver for the remainder of the 2014 season.
Rossi parted company with Caterham's F1 team, where he had been employed in a similar role, as well as its GP2 outfit. He earned a one-off role for the Campos team in the last GP2 round at Hockenheim.
Rossi hopes to be in the car for Marussia during an FP1 session this season and will be on hand to step in if Jules Bianchi or Max Chilton are unable to compete in any race.
"Today is a good day and next step in my Formula 1 career," Rossi said. "Since my initial discussions with the Marussia F1 team management, I've felt right at home. I'm looking forward to working with the team in Hungary and building for the rest of the season. The timing of my affiliation with the team is perfect, especially beginning in Hungary before the summer break. My goal is Formula 1, and I'm delighted to be immersed into the team as Official Reserve Driver, where I have the opportunity to prepare for this next step, with plans to drive in Free Practice 1 this season.
"Marussia is in an exciting place right now and the progress at the team is clear for all to see. I'm thrilled that now I have the chance to be part of that journey, to progress and play a useful role in the development of the Team. I want to thank Marussia F1 Team for the opportunity this season."
Marussia team principal John Booth believes it is an exciting opportunity for Marussia to move into the American market.
"We are very pleased to welcome Alexander to the Marussia F1 team in the role of Official Reserve Driver," Booth said. "He is a proven talent whom we have observed in GP2 and we have also been impressed by his performances during Friday morning free practice sessions over the past two seasons.
"The US is an exciting market for the sport and Alexander has a great deal of support there, so it is nice to develop new links to that audience. Alexander will be an integral part of the team, immersing himself in our engineering activity so that he is fully prepared should he ever be required to deputise for one of the race drivers."
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