DTM's Auer to test with Force India

DTM driver Lucas Auer will get his first taste of Formula 1 machinery with an appearance for Force India during the post-race test in Hungary.

The Austrian drives a BWT-sponsored Mercedes in DTM, the same backers of the Force India team that led to the pink livery this year. Auer – the nephew of former F1 driver Gerhard Berger – is currently second in the drivers' championship and will drive a half day on each of the two days of testing at the Hungaroring.

"Really exciting news – the most beautiful moment of my life," the 22-year-old Auer said. "For me, it's a childhood dream come true to drive an F1 car for the first time. I'm particularly proud that this will happen with Sahara Force India – a top Formula 1 team.

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"I must say thank you to everybody who has worked to make this possible, especially to the team at Force India who have given me this opportunity. I will be aiming to make the most of the test – and, of course, I'll be savoring every second of it."

Auer will share driving duties with F3 driver Nikita Mazepin, with the Russian teenager having already made his Force India debut during the post-race test at Silverstone last season.

"I'm really looking forward to testing with Sahara Force India again," Mazepin said. "I've been working with the team for over a year and it's great to get another chance to drive the car. The last time I drove an F1 car was in 2016 so it's going to be interesting to make a comparison with the new 2017 regulations.

"I learned so much from the last test and it's an important part of my development as a driver. I've been doing lots of simulator work to get ready for the test and I'm working hard to make sure I deliver everything the team expects from me."

Team principal Vijay Mallya says he is keen to see how the two young drivers progress given seat time in a current car.

"We are pleased to be running two talented youngsters at the Budapest test," Mallya said. "We already know Nikita well and giving him time in the VJM10 is the next stage in his development programme with us.

"I'm delighted to welcome Lucas to the team and will follow his progress closely. It's always a special moment when a driver gets to experience an F1 car for the first time and I'm pleased Lucas can make his debut in one of our cars."