Mar.11 (GMM) Brendon Hartley’s role as Red Bull reserve driver in 2009 has not been confirmed because he is yet to receive his mandatory FIA superlicense
Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost this week revealed that the 19-year-old New Zealander will be the official back-up for the race drivers of the two Red Bull-owned teams this season
But it has subsequently emerged in the New Zealand press that while Hartley qualified for the mandatory FIA credential at a recent test, he has not yet been issued with the license
“This thing has prematurely got out — it’s all subject to signing off his superlicense and we’re just waiting for that to happen,” said Hartley’s manager Peter Johnston
The news agency NZPA said official confirmation of the role is expected within the coming days
Hartley was expected to race in the F3 Euroseries this year