The ING Renault F1 Team has announced the arrival of Sakon Yamamoto in the role of test development driver for the 2008 season.

The 25 year-old from Japan has made 14 Grand Prix starts so far in his career, with Super Aguri and Spyker. His best finish was P12 in last year’s rain-soaked Japanese Grand Prix at Fuji Speedway.

Sakon will conduct test development work for the team, as well as playing an important role in the Renault F1 Roadshow programme.

ING Renault F1 Team Managing Director Flavio Briatore commented: "We are delighted to welcome Sakon to the team for 2008. We plan a particularly aggressive development programme for the coming year, and his F1 experience will be useful to us in this context.

"Furthermore, the team is one of the most active in promoting Formula 1 around the world thanks to our unique Roadshow programme, and Sakon will boost our visibility in important markets. He will be an important asset for the team."

Sakon Yamamoto added: "I am very excited to join the ING Renault F1 Team for the 2008 season. It is a great honour for me to be associated with a team that has won world championships. I will learn a fantastic amount, and I look forward to contributing in every way the team asks of me."