• Lotus news

Valsecchi named Lotus third driver

ESPN Staff
January 28, 2013 « Allison explains stepped nose on Lotus E21 | 'Great things are possible' - Boullier »
Davide Valsecchi impressed Lotus at the Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test last year © Sutton Images
Enlarge
Related Links

2012 GP2 champion Davide Valsecchi has been named as Lotus' third driver for the 2013 season.

Valsecchi moves in to the role having impressed the team during an outing at the Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test last November, with Jerome d'Ambrosio staying on as reserve driver and Nicolas Prost as development driver. Valsecchi said he is "excited about the future" and is focusing on impressing the team further this year.

"I'm really happy that the team want me on board and I'm excited about the future," Valsecchi said. "I hope that this is a really good start to a career in Formula 1.

"Every day I will do the very best job that I can to give Lotus F1 Team the same passion and commitment that I showed last year. My last season in GP2 in 2012 was something I really focussed on, and in the end I succeeded. Now in Formula 1 my target will be a little different, but my focus to do the very best is still the same."

Valsecchi also admitted that he views his role as a stepping stone towards a race seat.

"I very much hope, step by step, to get into Formula 1 as a race driver, and being here as third driver is as near as you can get. It's a great opportunity here - If I do the best job I can this year then it will open up my chances for the future, and we'll see if I'm good enough."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
ESPN Staff Close