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Force India announces young driver test line-up

Antonio Felix da Costa and Yelmer Buurman will test the Force India in Abu Dhabi © Sutton Images

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• Drivers:
• Paul di Resta

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• Racing Point

Force India will give Yelmer Buurman and Antonio Felix da Costa a chance to make their F1 testing debuts at the upcoming young driver test in Abu Dhabi.

Buurman, who took three wins for AC Milan in Formula Superleague this season, and Felix da Costa, who finished seventh in the F3 Euroseries, will share the two-day test with current reserve driver Paul di Resta. The test will take place in the days following the final grand prix of the season and is designed to give drivers who have competed in less than three grands prix a chance to gain experience in the current cars.

Force India's chief operating officer Otmar Szafnauer said: "We are pleased to be able to offer Yelmer and Antonio the opportunity to test an F1 car, which they both feel will be brilliant exposure and experience at this early stage in their career. Paul will set the benchmark times so they can assess their own performance and see how to work within a top level team."

Buurman added: "I am unbelievably happy with this chance. It is an honour to be the next Dutch racing driver to get the chance to test an excellent F1 car. F1 remains my ultimate goal and testing for such a good team like Force India F1 Team is a dream come true. I met the team last week for a simulator session learning the circuit and the seat fitting. There is a fantastic atmosphere and I felt immediately at home.

"I am well prepared and I will do my very best to show that I am more than quick enough for F1. I would like to thank my loyal sponsors Flyweeze.com, Jongert Luxury Yachts, HSF Logistics, Otto Workforce, and Eurotech Group for their support of my career so far. And I like to thank my management GR8industries.com for facilitating this unique opportunity. I cannot wait to join the team within a few days."

Felix da Resta said: "Now I can say that I will drive for the Force India F1 Team in this test, it will be a memorable day in my career and I hope the first of many more at the wheel of a Formula 1 car. Force India is a fierce and very consistent team, with lots of ambition, that has been evolving throughout the last few years, so I expect to have a good performance and be able to show my potential.

"I've just been in England at Force India headquarters in Silverstone for a first contact with the team and all their staff, I've moulded my seat and I had the opportunity to work on the simulator on a first contact with the Yas Marina racetrack. I would like to thank Force India for this opportunity and also to Tiago Monteiro and Sowhat Management, who have been tireless while making a very professional support to my career."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.