Yuki Tsunoda will get behind the wheel of Formula 1 machinery at Imola next months as his hopes of a 2021 AlphaTauri seat grow.
Tsunoda, part of the Red Bull and Honda junior driver development programmes, has enjoyed a strong rookie campaign in Formula 2 this year.
Tsunoda is third in the championship, currently the leading rookie, and has taken three pole positions and two race victories.
He is on course to accrue the sufficient points for a Formula 1 Super Licence.
Tsunoda has been at AlphaTauri’s facility at Faenza this week and is set to test the squad’s 2018 car at local circuit Imola next month.
The test is scheduled for November 4, following the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, as teams are prohibited from carrying out on-track running at a circuit that is hosting a race this year prior to its undertaking.
Tsunoda is also poised to test AlphaTauri’s 2020 car, the AT01, during the post-season rookie test in Abu Dhabi in mid-December.
Red Bull and Honda have both outlined that the Japanese marque’s withdrawal from the championship after 2021 will not have an impact on Tsunoda’s hopes of a race seat.
Japan has not had a representative on the grid since Kamui Kobayashi left Caterham at the end of 2014.
Of Red Bull’s four drivers across its two Formula 1 teams only Max Verstappen has a 2021 contract.
It is understood that Daniil Kvyat is the likeliest driver to make way should Tsunoda be deemed ready for a 2021 AlphaTauri seat.
