F1: Celis gets Bahrain FP1 run with Force India

Force India is to hand development driver Alfonso Celis Jr. his first appearance during a Formula 1 race weekend at Bahrain.

Celis will take part in the first practice session at the Sakhir Circuit next Friday, deputising for fellow Mexican Sergio Perez. It is the first of seven practice outings this season for the 19-year-old from Mexico City, who has already enjoyed a taste of F1 machinery.

Celis took part in the Pirelli tire test in Abu Dhabi at the end of last season, and followed that up with two days in this year's Force India car, the VJM09, at the first pre-season test in Barcelona.

He is combining his duties with Force India with a drive for Adrian Valles' AVF team in the rebranded Formula V8 3.5 series.

Originally on Autosport.com