Force India sign Juncadella to reserve driver role

Force India have signed Spaniard Daniel Juncadella as their reserve driver for the 2014 season.

The 22-year-old, who races in Germany’s DTM series for Mercedes and is a former European Formula Three champion, will attend all Grands Prix with the team and take part in several Friday practice sessions to gain experience behind the wheel of their new VJM07 machine.

“Daniel is an exciting prospect and I am delighted to welcome him to Sahara Force India,” said Force India’s team principal and managing director Vijay Mallya.

“Over the last few years we have always tried to support young, talented drivers and we will continue down this path by giving Daniel the opportunity to drive the VJM07 on Friday mornings at selected races. Daniel will also play an important role in our simulator programme at the factory, which remains an increasingly important development tool.”

Juncadella, who has previous F1 test experience with Williams, said it was a dream come true to join the Silverstone-based team.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to learn and will hopefully take me a step closer to eventually racing in Formula One,” he said. “To work with the team at the track and in the factory will give me some valuable experience and I will do my best to make a contribution to help the team achieve its goals in 2014.”

Force India’s new race pairing of Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez are expected to share driving duties at next week’s first pre-season test in Jerez, which runs from January 28-31.