Abu Dhabi Private Tests: Palmer and Goddard with Force India

The Sahara Force India team announced the drivers who will run during the two days of testing scheduled for next week at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

The Indian team has decided to trust the reigning GP2 champion, Jolyon Palmer, who became the first Briton since Lewis Hamilton – winner in 2006 – to win the GP2 Series championship. The son of former F1 driver Jonathan Palmer will drive on Tuesday, the 25th, and he has expressed his excitement about this opportunity: « Sahara Force India has shown their faith in me by offering this opportunity and I can’t wait to repay them in Abu Dhabi. I’ve worked hard for a chance like this and I want to help the team get the most out of this test session. This is a team that has always promoted talent, and I hope this opportunity can lead to greater things in the future. »

For the second day, Wednesday the 26th, the Silverstone team decided to entrust the VJM07 to Spike Goddard, a promising young driver who has been honing his skills in the European F3 championship for two years now. The Australian was thrilled with the opportunity given to him: « I would like to thank Sahara Force India for this incredible opportunity. Every young racing driver dreams of being behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car and I am excited to be one of the very few who can realize his dream. This test is an important step in the preparations for 2015 and I hope my contribution will be useful to the team for a good start next season. »

By running two young drivers for these end-of-season private tests, the Force India team continues its support for young drivers as it has done for several years now, and the team owner, Vijay Mallya, is delighted: “I am thrilled that we can end our season by offering two promising young talents their first experience in Formula 1. As a team, we have a strong track record of identifying promising drivers and providing them with significant track time in our cars.”