Pietro Fittipaldi has been handed a Haas drive in a Pirelli tyre test at Silverstone across 11-12 July 2023.
Fittipaldi is Haas’ test and reserve driver for this season and will share driving duties at the test alongside race drivers – Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen.
Hulkenberg and Magnussen will share running across morning and afternoon sessions on Tuesday 11 July, just two days after the British Grand Prix on 9 July.
Fittipaldi will then run across both sessions on Wednesday 12 July as part of his test duties for Haas, having previously driven for the team in pre and post season tests in 2022 plus at Sakhir and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix in 2020 after Romain Grosjean was ruled out through injury.
“I’m very happy to be back behind the wheel of a MoneyGram Haas F1 Team car, this time in Silverstone,” commented Fittipaldi on his return to a F1 cockpit, having spent this season racing in IMSA Sports Car and FIA World Endurance to stay race-fit.
The 26 year-old added that this test marks the first time that he will drive a F1 car around Silverstone, which he believes will “be exciting” to do at wha he described as “one of the most classic tracks in the sport.”
Fittipaldi also iterated that he understands the importance of this tyre test as he continued: “Just as I’m excited, I’m also focused on doing a great job for the team, trying to learn as much as possible for them in terms of car development.
“The Pirelli tire test is going to be an important test and I’m very much looking forward to doing a great job for Haas. I want to thank the team for the opportunity to drive the VF-23.”
Haas Team Principal, Guenther Steiner added that Fittipaldi’s “experience” means that “his feedback on the VF-23 will prove invaluable to us,” in terms of data gathering.
Despite never having considered Fittipaldi for a full-time race seat, Steiner praised the Brazilian for his attitude, as he said: “Pietro has always had an impressive work ethic and his passion to learn and support the team in its objectives has been key in his continuation with us.
“His full calendar of two other race programs only benefits MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and providing him time in this year’s challenger means he’s once again ready for any eventuality.”
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