Nov.24 (GMM) Force India on Tuesday confirmed speculation that no Indian-linked drivers will test for the team during December’s three-day young driver session at Jerez.
It had been rumoured that Indian GP2 driver Karun Chandhok, and the Swiss Neel Jani – whose father is Indian – might drive the Mercedes-powered VJM02 at the Spanish circuit.
But while confirming reports that the Mercedes DTM driver Paul di Resta is scheduled to test, Force India said in a statement that the Scot will be joined at Jerez by Indy Lights champion JR Hildebrand, a 21-year-old Californian.
Chandhok and Jani tested recently in McLaren’s driver simulator, but Force India said di Resta and Hildebrand were selected for Jerez “after outstanding performances in the team’s simulator”.
“Should they perform well, we will look at a permanent role for one within the team in 2010, potentially as a test and reserve driver,” said team boss and owner Vijay Mallya.
“As we’ve always said, nationality isn’t the primary selection criteria — it’s talent and dedication to the cause and we have seen enough to know that these two have both,” he added.
Di Resta, 23, has twice tested a McLaren, while Jerez will be Hildebrand’s F1 car debut.
