Ferrari confirm Ilott as 2021 test driver

Ferrari has confirmed Callum Ilott will serve as its test driver for next year.

Ilott was in the running for a Formula 1 drive in 2021 as he fought fellow Ferrari Academy driver Michael Schumacher in the F2 championship.

The 22-year-old, who eventually finished runner-up and 14 points adrift of Schumacher in the standings, was also overlooked for F1 as Ferrari decided to place the German with Haas.

Ilott will at least be remaining with the Scuderia in 2021 as he said: "I am very pleased to be joining Ferrari as its test driver from next year.

"I look forward to contributing to the work the team does on and off track, and to all of the new things I can learn by taking on this exciting new challenge.

"I will give my all to do a good job and gain as much experience as possible to continue making progress as a driver.

"I would like to thank the Ferrari Driver Academy and Scuderia Ferrari for this great opportunity and their support. It has been an honour to be part of their programme for the past three years and I am pleased to continue our journey together."

Despite his new role with Ferrari, Ilott took part in the 'young driver' test in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday with Alfa Romeo, finishing eighth on the timesheet, 1.5secs behind the leading time posted by Fernando Alonso for Renault.

Ilott added: “It’s been an amazing day, driving an incredible car.

“From my personal point of view, I’ve really enjoyed it. It took a lot of focus to keep performing at this level, in such a powerful car, but it’s been really good and I hope to get more opportunities to drive this car in the future.”

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