F1: Leimer joins Manor as F1 reserve

The Manor Formula 1 team has signed 2013 GP2 champion Fabio Leimer as its reserve driver for the remainder of the season.

Leimer missed out on an F1 seat following his GP2 title triumph, and last year he raced for the Rebellion LMP1 team in the World Endurance Championship. The 26-year-old, who tested for Sauber in the 2011 young driver test, will drive in yet-to-be confirmed Friday free practice sessions.

"I'm thrilled to be provided with this opportunity and I'd like to thank the Manor Marussia for the faith they have shown in my ability," said Leimer. "In particular I'm very excited to have the chance to drive the car in selected FP1s, but I am also looking forward to spending a lot of time trackside with the team, contributing my observations and experience in engineering situations and also learning about the team and a Formula 1 operation.

"It's a huge step for me and I can't wait to get started and hopefully reward the team's confidence in me."

Leimer's role follows the team's announcement that former Mercedes technical director Bob Bell had joined as a technical consultant, plus the addition of Gianluca Pisanello as chief engineer and former Toro Rosso chief designer Luca Furbatto as its head of design.

Originally on Autosport.com