F1: Yelloly hopes for bigger Force India role

Nick Yelloly is hoping for a crack in Force India's upcoming B-spec car after being given a taste of Formula 1 machinery for the first time on Tuesday.

Yelloly was drafted in a day earlier than planned by Force India for the first day of the opening in-season test at Barcelona after Mercedes reserve Pascal Wehrlein was forced to withdraw through illness.

Mercedes is hoping Wehrlein will be fit enough to take over the wheel of the F1 W06 Hybrid from Spanish Grand Prix winner and Tuesday pacesetter Nico Rosberg on day two. Esteban Ocon will take over the Force India for Wednesday.

Yelloly, who has recently been conducting simulator work for Force India, was left beaming from ear to ear after his maiden outing.

After completing 109 laps, with his best a 1m27.396s, Yelloly said: "It was easier than I expected, actually. The runs I did in the simulator really helped quite a lot with my performance, and I was able to get on top of the car really early on.

"The biggest difference for me was the power steering, just how easy it is physically compared to a GP2 car. I thought it would be harder, but I actually found it quite easy, so that was nice.

"It was great to work with the engineers – you have so many compared to GP2, which is one of the main differences. So I've really enjoyed my time in the F1 car, and I can't wait to get back in.

"It was a really great experience, to be given the chance to do that off the back of my simulator work, and thanks to the team for letting me jump in the car. I really, really enjoyed it. My first time in an F1 car and I've a big smile on my face. Since starting in karting this was a big day for me."

Yelloly confirmed Force India ran a number of aero parts likely to be used on the B-spec car, which is due to be introduced either over the Austrian Grand Prix weekend or at the second in-season test that follows immediately after.

"Hopefully I've done a good enough job that will warrant me having another go in the season, that will be great," added Yelloly. "Hopefully it will be in the B-spec as well because we're hoping for a big step forward with that one.

"I think the team have been impressed with the job I've done with my first day in a Formula 1 car. I think they are happy, so we'll wait and see if the phone rings.

"To be part of a Formula 1 team and get this opportunity already is brilliant, and I'd just like to develop that further."

Originally on Autosport.com