F1: Wehrlein joins Force India test lineup

Mercedes reserve driver Pascal Wehrlein will get another chance to drive a Formula 1 car when he drives a 2014-spec Force India at this week's Barcelona test. The 20-year-old, who also races for Mercedes in DTM and tested the German marque's Formula 1 car at last year's season-ending test in Abu Dhabi, will drive on Thursday and Saturday.

Force India's regular drivers Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg are scheduled to drive on Friday and Sunday.

The team says its primary focus will be on evaluation of the 2015-spec Pirelli tires with last year's car as its new challenger will not be ready to hit the track until the second Barcelona test.

Wehrlein's association with Force India, which uses Mercedes engines, will continue during the season, with the reigning world champion team announcing the German will take part in the two in-season tests as well.

"As a young driver, any time you can spend in the car is extremely important and you can learn a lot," said Wehrlein. "I know the simulator already, but I don´t have much experience on the track.

"My first goal in Spain will be to do a great job together with the team, to learn as much as possible and to give good feedback to the engineers."

Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff added: "Pascal impressed us with his approach to the Abu Dhabi test last year and I am sure his feedback will be useful to Force India also. It is also a valuable opportunity for him to work with another team and gain more experience."

Force India team boss Vijay Mallya thanked Mercedes for the opportunity to run one of its rising stars in testing.

"Pascal is an exciting young talent who has already proved he has what it takes to be successful at the highest level," he said. "As a reserve driver for Mercedes, he's clearly destined for a career in Formula 1 and I'm sure the test will be a positive experience on both sides. This is also a clear demonstration of our strong working relationship with our engine partner, Mercedes-Benz, and I thank them for their collaboration."

The second four-day pre-season test starts on Thursday, Feb. 19, and lasts four days.

The third and final test follows on Feb. 26 with the season starting in Melbourne, Australia on March 15.

FULL BARCELONA TEST LINEUP:

Originally on Autosport.com