F2's Malja gets Sauber F1 test

Formula 2 driver Gustav Malja will get his first taste of Formula 1 machinery when he drives for Sauber in the Hungary test at the start of August.

Malja drives for Racing Engineering in FIA F2 – formerly the GP2 Series – and secured his first podium of the season with third place in the sprint race in Monaco on Saturday (pictured). The Swede will drive for Sauber on one of the two days of in-season testing in Hungary on Aug. 1-2, and says it is a big learning opportunity for him.

"The prospect of driving a Formula 1 car is exceptionally thrilling, and a childhood dream come true," Malja said. "I can't wait to experience that sensation; I'm sure it will be a very surreal moment. I will do everything in my power to make the most of the test day and learn as much as I possibly can. Wholehearted thanks to the Sauber F1 team for giving me this fantastic opportunity."

Sauber currently boasts Malja's countryman Marcus Ericsson in its driver line-up, and team principal Monisha Kaltenborn says the 21-year-old's rate of development last year – which included back-to-back GP2 podiums late in the season – caught the eye.

"It will be a great opportunity for Gustav to make another step in his racing career and to fulfill his childhood dream," Kaltenborn said. "Driving a Formula 1 car for the first time is always a special moment for race drivers, and so it is for Gustav. We have followed him in previous years, especially last year in the GP2 Series, where he consistently made progress."

This year the in-season tests have moved from their traditional locations of Spain and Silverstone, with the first test having already taken place in Bahrain and the second two-day test to be held after the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Each team must use a rookie driver for at least two of the four days of in-season testing, with a rookie defined as any driver who has not started more than two grands prix in their career.