Turvey to test for McLaren at Jerez 30 Nov 2009
Oliver Turvey, who won the 2006 McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver Award, will be given his prize drive by McLaren during this week’s young driver winter test at Jerez. Turvey, who has already undergone a seat fitting at McLaren’s factory, will get his first taste of Formula One power in the British team’s MP4-24 at the Spanish circuit.
“I’ve gone over this moment so many times in my mind, so it’s very exciting to be getting this opportunity to test with the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team at Jerez this week,” the 22 year-old Briton told the team's website. “My aim is to enjoy the experience, but also to learn as much as I can from it. If possible, I’d also like to be able to help the team with their preparations for the 2010 season.”
McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh added: “We’re extremely proud of our commitment to young talent and the efforts we’ve made to ensure the McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver winners are given the experience of a lifetime when they test with us.
"A drive in a race-wining Formula One car is every racing driver’s dream, and I’m sure Oliver will use this week’s test as the perfect opportunity to broaden his experience as he continues his successful single-seater career.”
Turvey won the award after finishing second in the 2006 Formula BMW series. In 2007 he took part in the Formula Renault 2.0 Italian and Euro series, while in 2008 he finished second in the British Formula Three championship. This year he competed in Formula Renault 3.5, taking one win on his way to fourth in the standings.
During the three-day Jerez session, which gets underway on Tuesday, McLaren are also expected to field regular tester Gary Paffett.
