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Aston Martin presents Vandoorne as second test and reserve driver

1 November 2022 at 09:05
Last update 1 November 2022 at 11:11
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  • GPblog.com

Stoffel Vandoorne will remain linked to Formula 1 in 2023. The Belgian, who spent two seasons as McLaren's regular driver, has been appointed Aston Martin's test and reserve driver for 2023. Mercedes thus loses two of their reserve drivers after Nyck de Vries moves to AlphaTauri.

Return to Formula One

Aston Martin has two new test and reserve drivers for 2023. The team had had the services of Nico Hulkenberg since 2020, but for 2023 they have now announced two names after Felipe Drugovich and Vandoorne. Vandoorne comes over from the Mercedes team where, like De Vries, he was test and reserve driver.

Vandoorne will drive another programme in addition to his work for the F1 team. For instance, the reigning Formula E world champion will also return to the electric racing class. There, he will defend his title for the DS Penske team.

''It is incredibly exciting to be stepping into a reserve-driver role in Formula One – and I'm delighted to be doing it with Aston Martin. I've watched with great interest how the team has developed and expanded operationally, and I know how incredibly determined it is to make progress in every area. Joining Fernando, who I already know from my Formula One racing career, and Lance, to help them develop and improve next year's car will be a terrific job, and I'm really looking forward to the challenge – and reward – of working together with the whole organisation at Silverstone'', says Vandoorne in the press release.

''Stoffel has all the capabilities we need for this new and expanded role within the team: he is fast, analytical, hard-working and a fantastic team player, and will fit perfectly into our growing organisation, working alongside our other test driver, Felipe Drugovich. The whole team is hugely motivated for next year, and the appointment of Stoffel, alongside Fernando, Lance and Felipe, gives extra depth to our fantastic driver line-up. This will be a significant role for Stoffel, and we will be reliant on him to work hard with both our track and simulation and engineering teams to improve our performance for 2023 and beyond'', concludes Mike Krack.