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Ellinas handed Marussia test

Tio Ellinas won the first race of the GP3 season in Barcelona and currently leads the standings © Sutton Images

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Tio Ellinas will become the first Cypriot to drive a Formula One car when he tests for Marussia at Kemble Airfield on Tuesday.

Marussia will be carrying out a straight-line test at Kemble, with Ellinas getting his first taste of Formula One machinery following an impressive start to the GP3 season. Ellinas leads the standings after four races and was already confirmed for the Young Driver Test at Silverstone, but said the extra time in the car will help him get comfortable in the car in advance.

"It goes without saying that I am thrilled to get this additional opportunity to drive the MR02 race car," Ellinas said. "I have been looking forward to the young driver test since last Autumn and the weeks can't pass quickly enough. Being able to conduct the straight line test this week will help to bridge the gap until Silverstone and will also mean I can hit the ground running there as I will already be familiar with the car systems and the team's procedures."

Team principal John Booth said Ellinas is "definitely a star of the future" and has earned his time in the car.

"Tio has done a very impressive job for our GP3 team over one and a half seasons now," Booth said. "We were very pleased to welcome him back for a second term and even more delighted when he brought us our first victory of the season in the opening round in Spain. He is definitely a star of the future and deserves both of the opportunities that we are putting his way, starting with this week's aero test at Kemble."

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