Juan Manuel Correa signs to Alfa Romeo as development driver

American Formula 2 racer Juan Manuel Correa will get his first taste of life in an F1 team in 2019 after getting the call-up to become Alfa Romeo’s development driver for the season.

Correa, who’ll dovetail his simulator responsibilities for the Swiss squad with competing in F2 for the Sauber Junior Team, will work alongside Alfa Romeo’s main driver line-up of Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi, as well as test drivers Tatiana Calderon and Marcus Ericsson.

Speaking of the signing, Alfa Romeo Team Principal Fred Vasseur said: “Juan Manuel will be taking on a new challenge with our team as our development driver and we look forward to further advancing his skills in support of his progress as a racing driver.”

ALFA ROMEO: 2019 F1 Team Profile

“To have received this opportunity, and to be a part of such an iconic team and brand in motorsports, Formula 1 in particular, is a privilege for any driver,” said Correa. “I will do my best to honour the opportunity I have been given and want to thank Fred and the entire Alfa Romeo Racing Team for having me. I’m excited for what the future has to hold.”

Correa will be in action for the Sauber Junior Team when the 2019 F2 season officially kicks off in Bahrain on March 29-31.