Gary Paffett extends as a reserve driver for McLaren
McLaren has trusted Gary Paffett since 2006 in the role of third driver. The Woking team seems completely satisfied with this collaboration and has therefore decided to extend the contract of the English driver as third driver and reserve driver.
However, the prospects for a seat within the team are not very promising since both positions are locked by Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button (if the 2009 world champion indeed renews his contract). Thus, in 2006, Pedro de la Rosa was granted the seat left vacant by Juan-Pablo Montoya.
This is why the 30-year-old driver continues his career alongside his duties at McLaren: he remains committed to the German Touring Car Championship, the category where he was champion in 2005. But he has not managed to do the same as Paul di Resta, who was champion last year while being the third driver for Force India. This allowed him to be promoted in place of Vitantonio Liuzzi.
This is why Mark Blundell, Gary Paffett’s manager, highlights the impact of this agreement on his protégé’s reputation: «It’s a very good deal for Gary, which underscores the strength of his relationship with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. Once again, Gary has demonstrated that he has the qualities and skills to be a development driver capable of making a difference.»
Three weeks ago, Gary Paffett had already announced the extension of his contract with Mercedes in DTM beyond 2012.
With the participation of RacingBusiness.fr
