Alfa Romeo hand 'rising star' Ilott reserve driver role

Alfa Romeo has handed a driver it has hailed as a 'rising star' a reserve driver role for the rest of the current F1 season.

Callum Ilott, who was taken on as Ferrari test driver at the end of last year after finishing as runner-up in F2 to Mick Schumacher, will share reserve driver duties at Alfa Romeo with Robert Kubica.

The Ferrari Academy driver will take over from Kubica when the Pole is unavailable due to his racing and testing commitments in other motorsport categories.

Ilott will also take part in a number of FP1 sessions throughout the season, starting this Friday at the Portuguese Grand Prix.

The 22-year-old, who has previously tested for Alfa Romeo in 2019 and again in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi at the end of last year, said: “I am really happy to be joining the team for this season and I’d like to thank Alfa Romeo Racing and the Ferrari Driver Academy for the trust they have put in me.

"The two sessions I had with the team in the last two years have been extremely useful in getting me accustomed to the way a Formula 1 team works and I am confident I can hit the ground running in my new role as one of the reserve drivers.

"I can’t wait to be in the car and help the team continue its progress.”

After previously impressing with Alfa Romeo, team principal Fred Vasseur said: “I am delighted to welcome Callum to our team: his journey through the junior series has been an impressive one and he is, without doubt, one of the most talented young drivers coming through the ranks.

"He has worked with us before, each time leaving a lasting impression thanks to his work ethic and good feedback, and I have no doubt he will be a very positive addition to Robert, who will be unavailable on various occasions due to his other racing programmes.

"Callum will have a busy programme and we can’t wait to see him on track again this weekend.”

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