Pedro de la Rosa will join Ferrari for the 2013 season as a development driver, the Italian outfit confirmed on Wednesday.
The 41-year-old has a wealth of experience having driven for Arrows, McLaren, Sauber and HRT – but lost his drive with the Spanish team after it folded at the end of 2012.
Speaking during their annual Wrooom event, team principal Stefano Domenicali confirmed De la Rosa would do simulator work alongside Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa and Marc Gene.
“We must anticipate the problems we have and focus on simulation,” said Domenicali. “We think Pedro is the right person to develop this type of activity.
“We think he is a driver that fits well within our group.”
He also denied that they had hired the Spaniard because of his close friendship with fellow Spaniard Alonso.
“Clearly the fact that Pedro has a good relationship with Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa is a positive factor, but the decision is purely technical,” said the team chief.
