Callum Ilott will participate in a number of free practice sessions at Formula 1 events this year after being appointed as a second reserve driver for Alfa Romeo.
The Ferrari Driver Academy member, who will hold a reserve role alongside Robert Kubica, will make his first FP1 appearance with the team this weekend at Portimao.
Ilott has previous experience with the Hinwil-based squad, testing with it an in-season event in 2019 before receiving another outing at the post-season Abu Dhabi test in 2020.
“I am really happy to be joining the team for this season and I’d like to thank Alfa Romeo and the Ferrari Driver Academy for the trust they have put in me,” Ilott said.
“The two sessions I had with the team in the last two years have been extremely useful in getting me accustomed to the way a Formula 1 team works and I am confident I can hit the ground running in my new role as one of the reserve drivers at Alfa Romeo.
“I can’t wait to be in the car and help the team continue its progress.”
Ilott was scheduled to make his first FP1 appearance last year with Haas at the Nurburgring but poor weather meant all Friday running was cancelled.
The 22-year-old, who finished second in the 2020 FIA Formula 2 Championship, also holds a test driver role with Ferrari.
“I am delighted to welcome Callum to our team: his journey through the junior series has been an impressive one and he is without doubt one of the most talented young drivers coming through the ranks,” said Alfa Romeo Team Principal Frederic Vasseur.
“He has worked with us before, each time leaving a lasting impression thanks to his work ethic and good feedback, and I have no doubt he will be a very positive addition to Robert, who will be unavailable on various occasions due to his other racing programmes.
“Callum will have a busy programme and we can’t wait to see him on track again this weekend.”
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