Lotus have been the fastest new team this season

Lotus Racing have handed Malaysian youngster Nabil Jeffri the opportunity to get behind the wheel of its Formula One car.

The 16-year-old will perform an aero test for the Norfolk-based team in early September at an undisclosed location in the UK.

Jeffri is currently fifth in the Formula BMW Pacific championship.

"It's a big privilege to gain driving experience with the most promising new F1 team," he said.

He added: "Driving the Lotus Racing car will definitely be a priceless exposure to the F1 driving experience, and I'm looking forward to many more similar opportunities to arise as a result of being part of the AirAsia Driver Development program."

Lotus have made an effort to give exposure to young talent, with fellow Malaysian Fairuz Fauzy lined up to feature in numerous Friday practice sessions throughout the season.

Team Principal Tony Fernandes added: "It's an exciting day for all of us in the Lotus Racing team.

"Being able to give bright young talent like Nabil the chance to play an integral role in the development of our team is a recognition of his burgeoning talent, and shows that there is a clear route to the top rung of the motorsport ladder, no matter how old you are or where you are racing."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version