Force India will hand test opportunities to Formula 3 racer Nikita Mazepin and DTM title contender Lucas Auer during next month’s running at the Hungaroring.
Formula 1 testing will take place in Hungary on August 1/2, with Mazepin and Auer scheduled to run for half a day each on both the Tuesday and Wednesday.
Mazepin, 14th in this year’s F3 standings, tested for Force India at Silverstone last year, while the run in the VJM10 will be Auer’s first chance to get behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car.
“I’m really looking forward to testing with Force India again,” said Mazepin.
“I’ve been working with the team for over a year and it’s great to get another chance to drive the car.
“The last time I drove an F1 car was in 2016 so it’s going to be interesting to make a comparison with the new 2017 regulations.
“I learned so much from the last test and it’s an important part of my development as a driver.
“I’ve been doing lots of simulator work to get ready for the test and I’m working hard to make sure I deliver everything the team expects from me."
Auer, currently second in the DTM title race, added: “It’s really exciting news – the most beautiful moment of my life. For me, it's a childhood dream come true to drive an F1 car for the first time.
“I'm particularly proud that this will happen with Force India – a top Formula 1 team.
“I must say thank you to everybody who has worked to make this possible, especially to the team at Force India who have given me this opportunity.
“I will be aiming to make the most of the test – and, of course, I'll be savouring every second of it."
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