Force India test for Di Resta and Hildebrand
Force India choose Paul di Resta and JR Hildebrand to test VJM02 at upcoming young driver test in Jerez
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Force India have confirmed Paul di Resta and JR Hildebrand will test a VJM02 at the upcoming 'young driver' test in Jerez between December 1st and 3rd.
Di Resta and Hildebrand were offered the opportunity to test in Jerez after impressing in the Force India team simulator.
They will join other drivers, including new Williams signing Nico Hulkenberg, formula two champion Andy Soucek and formula three euroseries title winner Jules Bianchi in southern Spain in December.
Di Resta is from West Lothian in Scotland and currently drives a works Mercedes-Benz C-Class in the German touring car series, the DTM, with which he secured a win at Brands Hatch in Kent in 2009.
"I am thrilled to be joining Force India for this test," said Di Resta.
"It's been a while since I last tested an F1 car but I've been working hard in the simulator and giving it my all in the DTM so I'm confident I'll be up to speed quickly.
"It's an exciting opportunity for me as F1 has always been my dream and I feel this is taking me one step closer to achieving it."
He will share his driving duties with American Indy Lights racer Hildebrand, who rose to prominence when he won the Formula Ford 2000 championship in 2007.
"I'm ecstatic to get my first taste of F1," said Hildebrand.
"I've heard so much about the performance of the cars and know this is going to be quicker and more responsive than anything I've ever sat in before.
"I know it's a big challenge but I feel ready to tackle it.
"The aim is to learn the track and the car and then hopefully show my potential."
Force India boss Vijay Mallya said he will be watching their performance closely as one of them could potentially become the team's new test and reserve driver.
"Both of their showings in the simulator were excellent and we had no hesitations in offering them some valuable testing," said Mallya.
"We will be looking at their performance on track very closely and should they perform well, as we are confident they will, we will look at a permanent role for one within the team in 2010, potentially as a test and reserve driver.
"As a young team we are looking for drivers who can grow with us.
"As we've always said, nationality isn't the primary selection criteria - it's talent and dedication to the cause and we have seen enough to know that these two have both."
Hildebrand will be the first to drive the car on day one and Di Resta will get behind the wheel of the VJM02 on the second of the three days.
Force India is yet to decide on the plan for the final day of testing.