Kevin Magnussen is to test with the
McLaren Mercedes team later this year after his role with the team's Young Driver Programme was expanded.
The 19-year-old son of former F1 driver Jan will drive the new MP4-27 during the annual Young Driver Test later in the year while he will also work alongside
Gary Paffett and Oliver Turvey in the
McLaren simulator.
Having competed in British
F3 last year, Magnussen will race in the World Series by
Renault this year alongside his commitments with McLaren.
“I'm really pleased by this new agreement with Vodafone
McLaren Mercedes,” he said. “The team has shown great faith in me so far and I feel that this is an important step in my career.
“F1 is a highly pressured, data-driven environment, and anyone who wants to get there and succeed within it has to master all the technical aspects of the discipline. This is a great opportunity and I look forward to working with the team and playing a part in Vodafone
McLaren Mercedes' future.”
McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh said the time was right to increase Magnussen's role.
“Racing is the core business of Vodafone
McLaren Mercedes,” he said. “By enabling talented drivers to fulfil their potential, our Driver Development Programme is a strategic investment in the future of that business and the sport as a whole. We've been delighted by Kevin's progress, aptitude and work ethic thus far. The time was right for him to take the next step and we look forward to helping him gain the experience he requires.”
