24/07/2014
NEWS STORY
Marussia has announced that former Caterham Reserve Driver Alexander Rossi has been appointed to the same role for the remainder of the 2014 season.
The 22 year old American joins the team with immediate effect from this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix.
Rossi, who split with Caterham (and its GP2 team) after the F1 team's sale to a consortium of Swiss and Middle East investors, had spent the past two seasons in the role of reserve driver for the Leafield outfit. With Marussia, he will be on hand throughout the season to deputise for either race driver in the event that they are unable to compete.
"We are very pleased to welcome Alexander to the Marussia F1 Team in the role of Official Reserve Driver," said John Booth. "He is a proven talent whom we have observed in GP2 and we have also been impressed by his performances during Friday morning free practice sessions over the past two seasons. The US is an exciting market for the sport and Alexander has a great deal of support there, so it is nice to develop new links to that audience. Alexander will be an integral part of the Team, immersing himself in our engineering activity so that he is fully prepared should he ever be required to deputise for one of the race drivers."
"Today is a good day and next step in my Formula 1 career," added Rossi. "Since my initial discussions with the Marussia F1 Team management, I've felt right at home. I'm looking forward to working with the Team in Hungary and building for the rest of the season. The timing of my affiliation with the Team is perfect, especially beginning in Hungary before the summer break. My goal is Formula 1, and I'm delighted to be immersed into the Team as Official Reserve Driver, where I have the opportunity to prepare for this next step, with plans to drive in Free Practice 1 this season.
"Marussia is in an exciting place right now and the progress at the team is clear for all to see. I'm thrilled that now I have the chance to be part of that journey, to progress and play a useful role in the development of the Team. I want to thank Marussia F1 Team for the opportunity this season."