Formula One news

Bortolotti looking forward to F1 test

Mirko Bortolotti is excited about driving a Formula One car for the second time after Toro Rosso offered him the opportunity to do so at Jerez next month. The session, which lasts for three days and will see the Italian drive for one of them, will permit only those who have not driven in more than two Grands Prix to take part.

A Formula 2 race winner this season, Bortolotti - who finished the revamped series fourth in the standings - follows in the footsteps of Champion Andy Soucek, whose own test with Williams came as a reward for wrapping up the title this season.

"I'm very happy and very proud," commented 19-year-old Mirko, who tested with Ferrari at Fiorano after winning last year's Italian F3 title. "My target is to get to Formula One in the next few years, so to be selected for this test is very important for my career. Of course, if I can get to F1 even sooner then that will be great, but first I must focus on Jerez!"

Mirko's Ferrari test came in late November of last year

He went on to thank Red Bull, owner of Faenza-based Toro Rosso, for the opportunity but knows that the session in south-west Spain is not purely for himself. "I understand that it is an important test for all of the Formula One teams also," the Trento driver continued. "Every mile counts, particularly with the current (limited) testing situation, so I will prepare myself well over the next few weeks and be ready to help the team carry out their programme.

"My dream is to reach F1 and I hope this is the beginning of a good relationship with the team."


More: Jerez December test: The line-up
GPU Archive - 27/11/09: Italian F3 drivers enjoy F1 debut at Ferrari

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