Caterham confirm Leal for Silverstone test

Caterham have announced that GP2 driver Julian Leal will make his Formula One debut with the team at next week’s Silverstone test, which takes place on July 8-9.

The 24-year old Colombian, a former Italian F3000 champion, lies fifth in the 2014 GP2 standings, having scored two podium finishes with the Carlin team this year.

“I am very excited about my first Formula One test and I would like to thank Caterham F1 Team and everyone who has helped make this opportunity possible,” said Leal. “As I’m racing on the same circuit this weekend as I’ll test on next week that’s obviously a benefit but there is clearly a big step up to F1 from GP2, particularly in terms of the infrastructure I will be working with on track.

“With that in mind my main goal is to learn as much as I possibly can and help the team work through the program they set - I know I will be given all the help and advice I need, now I just want to get started!”

Christijan Albers, Caterham team CEO, added: “I am very pleased that we have been able to give Julian this opportunity and I am sure he will do a very good job for us in his test. He is an exciting young talent, showing this year in GP2 just what he is capable of, and the natural next step for him is F1.

“We have been able to help him make that progression at the Silverstone test and now it is up to him to make the most of it. We will give him all the guidance he will need and I am sure he will do a great job.”

Caterham will also be running Indonesian GP2 driver Rio Haryanto, as well as their test driver Will Stevens.