F1: Celis first to drive new Force India

Alfonso Celis Jr will be the first to drive Force India's 2016 Formula 1 car when pre-season testing in Barcelona begins on Monday.

The team's development driver, who got his first taste of F1 machinery at last year's post Abu Dhabi Grand Prix test, will also drive on Thursday.

Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg will split the remaining two days between them, with Perez in the car on Tuesday and Hulkenberg in on Wednesday.

For the second test, which starts on 1 March, Perez and Hulkenberg will split driving duties. Hulkenberg will be in the car on the first and third day while Perez will drive day two and four.

The line-ups for both tests are subject to change.

GP3 racer Celis finished 14th fastest of 16 in the Pirelli tyre test in Abu Dhabi and is set to take part in seven practice sessions over the course of the year.

The Mexican, who will also conduct work in the simulator for Force India as part of his development role, finished 12th in GP3 last year with one podium, and was 16th in Formula Renault 3.5 with two fastest laps.

Force India will pull the covers off the VJM09 in the Barcelona pitlane 30 minutes before testing begins at 8am UK time on Monday.

Originally on Autosport.com