- Ferrari
Vergne joins Ferrari as test driver
Jean-Eric Vergne will join Ferrari as a test driver next year, handing him an F1 lifeline after he was cut adrift by Red Bull earlier this year.
Vergne was replaced at Toro Rosso by Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz, leaving him without an F1 drive for 2015. However, he will now join Ferrari, effectively replacing Pedro de la Rosa who has left the team now that his good friend and compatriot Fernando Alonso has moved to McLaren.
"I feel very honored to be joining the Ferrari family and becoming a part of the most prestigious team in the history of Formula One," Vergne said. "The objective is a unanimous one and that is to help the Scuderia get back to the top step of the podium.
"Having had two years working in the simulator for a top F1 team and three years racing with Toro Rosso, my experience will add to the great efforts that are currently being made in order to get the team back to its winning ways. I look forward to fulfilling my dream in becoming a member of Scuderia Ferrari and having the Tifosi behind me every step of the way."
Vergne will work alongside new third driver Esteban Gutierrez, while Marc Gene and Davide Rigon also remain as test drivers at Ferrari. New team boss Maurizio Arrivabene said Vergne would be put to use in the Ferrari simulator among other jobs.
"On behalf of the entire team, I welcome Jean-Eric, who I'm sure will make an important contribution to our development work in the simulator," Arrivabene said. "He will fit in to a programme aimed at improving important areas, invigorating and strengthening an already strong and capable group of professionals."
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