McLaren have dismissed reports that Jean Alesi will become a regular test driver for them during the upcoming season. Frenchman Alesi is confirmed to test at an undisclosed venue following the opening F1 face in Australia on March 3, but the team have denied he’ll become a regular tester alongside David Coulthard, Kimi Raikkonen and Alexander Wurz.
“Following the test, Jean will concentrate on his DTM programme. We currently have no further plans to test together. Jean has extensive Formula One experience and we are, therefore, pleased to have this opportunity to benefit from his knowledge,” said McLaren managing director Martin Whitmarsh.
Alesi, who drove his last F1 race last year in Japan, said a drive in McLaren’s Mercedes was the one thing missing from his racing CV: “I am looking forward to sitting behind the wheel of a Formula One car again, but I have no plans to return to Formula One competition. However, a drive in a West McLaren Mercedes car was missing from my Formula One CV and I am really looking forward to the challenge,” he said.
Filed by Tom Grealis
