Vitantonio Liuzzi returned to the cockpit of a Formula One car today as he secured the opportunity to test for Hispania in Barcelona.
The Italian doesn’t, as of yet, have a race seat for the 2011 season after being dropped by Force India, the team opting for Paul di Resta as a replacement.
The former Red Bull, Toro Rosso and Force India drivers future looks a bit brighter after HRT team principal Colin Kolles admitted he is a ‘strong contender’ for the second seat alongside Narain Karthikeyan.
“As I always said our target is to get the best possible package,” Kolles said in Barcelona.
“Tonio is a strong contender for the second seat given that he has a lot of experience in Formula One. We hope his comments and feedback will help the team to progress in the right direction.”
Meanwhile Liuzzi says he’s happy to be back: “I am happy to be back in a car again here in Barcelona for the upcoming test.
“Hispania Racing is a team with potential that can grow in the future and could have a good package for the season with the new car.
“There is still a lot to do because we are starting tomorrow with the first test, but there will be a lot to come. I am sure it will be a good day and I am looking forward to the next step.”