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Calado gets Force India Friday drives
James Calado has signed as Force India's third driver and will take part in the opening practice session of this weekend's Italian Grand Prix.
GP2 driver Calado first drove for the team at this year's Young Driver Test and becomes the latest F1 hopeful to be given Friday drives by Force India. More free practice sessions will follow after Monza, making him a potential replacement for race drivers Paul di Resta and Adrian Sutil should either move on next year.
"I'm pleased to confirm that we've signed James as our third driver," team principal Vijay Mallya said. "We worked with him during the Silverstone test and he impressed everyone with his speed and consistency. We've always tried to support young drivers and this is a great opportunity for James to gain some valuable experience of driving during Formula One race events."
Mallya said the team would evaluate Calado during the Friday practice sessions.
"James will take part in the opening free practice session on Friday. He will also run in practice at several other races this year. It's always useful to get another driver's feedback on the car and it will help us evaluate James."