Friday 19 December 2014

Vergne joins Ferrari as a test driver

(Frederic Le Floc'h DPPI for Renault Sport F1)

The Scuderia Ferrari Formula One Team confirmed on Friday that they have signed former Toro Rosso turned Andretti Autosport Formula E driver, Jean Eric Vergne as a test and reserve driver. The Frenchman took pole position as his maiden Formula E race last week. Vergne, who drove for Scuderia Toro Rosso for three years will combine his Formula E commitments with his new role at Ferrari.

Vergne’s arrival at Maranello comes just days after the team announced that they have signed former Sauber F1 Team driver Esteban Gutierrrez as a test and reserve driver. Vergne replaces former test driver Pedro Dela Rosa as he has officially left the team. 

On Monday, when the team announced the signing of Gutierrez they also confirmed a new sponsorship agreement with America Movil.

Speaking to the official Ferrari website following his confirmation at the team, Vergne stated:

I feel very honoured to be joining the Ferrari family and becoming a part of the most prestigious team in the history of Formula One. The objective is a unanimous one and that is to help the Scuderia get back to the top step of the podium.

Having had two years working in the simulator for a top F1 team and three years racing with Toro Rosso, my experience will add to the great efforts that are currently being made in order to get the team back to its winning ways. I look forward to fulfilling my dream in becoming a member of the Ferrari Formula One team and having the Tifosi behind me every step of the way.’

Vergne ended the 2014 Formula One season in 13th place having scored 22 points for the Toro Rosso team. The Frenchman was replaced for the 2015 Formula One season by Carlos Sainz Jr who is joined at the team by Max Verstappen.

Scuderia Ferrari have an extremely strong driver line up for 2015 with Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel as their race drivers, between them they have five world championships while they also have Esteban Gutierrez and Jean Eric Vergne as their test and reserve drivers.

© Ben Johnston 2014

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