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HRT sign Clos as test driver

ESPNF1 Staff
February 13, 2012 « Webber again plays down retirement talk | Lotus impressed by Raikkonen »
Dani Clos took part in last year's Young Driver Test with HRT © Sutton Images
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Dani Clos has joined HRT as its test driver and will take part in several Friday morning practice sessions during the 2012 season.

Clos has driven in GP2 for the last three seasons with a best overall finish of 4th in 2010. He took part in the Young Driver Test at Abu Dhabi last year with HRT and will now continue his relationship with the team, starting at the final test of the year in Barcelona.

"I'm very proud to be a part of HRT Formula 1 Team," Clos said. "It is a great step in my career, something that I have dreamt of all my life and, finally, my dream is starting to come true. I'm very impressed with the job the team is doing; they're achieving fantastic things in a short space of time.

"The team has changed a lot since we met in the Abu Dhabi tests and I think it's a great opportunity and an honor to form a part of this new team. What they're achieving is very important for motorsport in our country and has a lot of potential.

"Also, being alongside Pedro de la Rosa is very important for me, since he and Karthikeyan can positively contribute to me becoming a better driver. I want to thank Saúl Ruíz de Marcos and Luis Pérez-Sala for the trust they've shown in me from the start and, above all, I would like to thank the people who have always been by my side, such as Leonardo Soldevila and my father.

"For me a new chapter is beginning, one where hard work and dedication are going to be my priorities; I'm going to give it my all so that this phase is as successful as it can possibly be for the team, my teammates and myself."

Team principal Luis Pérez-Sala added: "I'm very happy to have Dani on the team. He's a quick, talented driver who, above all, is very willing to progress. The incorporation of Clos is another step in our project of restructuring HRT but also fits in with our desire to promote young motorsport talents. I'm sure that it will be a very positive experience for both parties."

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