GP2 ace completes Spyker test.

Spanish GP2 driver Roldan Rodriguez has enjoyed his first taste of Formula 1 machinery after completing a day of testing with the Spyker team at Silverstone.

The 22-year-old was called up by the team to conduct a 50km shakedown of the new B-spec F8-VII - which made its long-awaited debut in the Italian Grand Prix - ahead of this weekend's event in Belgium, where regular drivers Adrian Sutil and Sakon Yamamoto will be back at the wheel.

"Thank you to the Etihad Aldar Spyker Formula One Team for letting me test today," Rodriguez, currently twelfth in the GP2 standings, said. "We have been talking about driving the car at some point this season, but to have the chance to test the new B-spec car was a great opportunity. I was really blown away by the power of the car, and the braking - it's so much more powerful than anything else I've driven."

Team principal Colin Kolles said he was pleased to give the young Spaniard his first taste of a Formula 1 car and said the date collected from the day would be useful for the future.

"We have been following Roldan's progress since his GP2 podium in Hungary and were pleased to be able to give him the opportunity to drive a Formula 1 car this year," he said. "Roldan performed well; we were very impressed by his professional approach and attitude and the team really enjoyed working with him.

"He gave some excellent feedback that we will be able to integrate into our programme for the future."