Dani Clos names test driver for HRT

 Monday 13, 2012 (F1plus Team).- Another Spaniard joins the ranks of HRT for 2012 when the team announced that Dani Clos will be its test driver. Pedro de la Rosa and Narain Karthikeyan are both the official race drivers. Close will take the wheels in several Friday morning practice sessions during the 2012 season.

Having contested GP2 for the past three years, picking up one race win and a further seven podium finishes in the process, the 23-year-old has hailed it as a pivotal career move.

“I’m very proud to be a part of HRT Formula 1 Team,'" said Clos, who hails from Barcelona. "It is a great step in my career, something that I have dreamt of all my life and, finally, my dream is starting to come true. I’m very impressed with the job the team is doing; they’re achieving fantastic things in a short space of time.

"I want to thank Saúl Ruiz de Marcos (HRT CEO) and Luis Pérez-Sala (HRT Team Principal) for the trust they’ve shown in me and, above all, I would like to thank the people who have always been by my side, such as Leonardo Soldevila and my father."

Clos tested for with the team during the Abu Dhabi Young Driver event in December last year, and he belies the tams has made pivotal changes that would the them more competitive.

"The team has changed a lot since we met in the Abu Dhabi tests and I think it’s a great opportunity and an honor to form a part of this team," he added. "What they’re achieving is very important for motorsport in our country and has a lot of potential.

"Also, being alongside Pedro de la Rosa is very important for me, since he and Karthikeyan can positively contribute to me becoming a better driver."

Team principal Luis Pérez-Sala, commented about the signing: "I'm very happy to have Dani on the team. He's a quick, talented driver who, above all, is very willing to progress. The incorporation of Clos is another step in our project of restructuring HRT but also fits in with our desire to promote young motorsport talents. I'm sure that it will be a very positive experience for both parties."