Toro Rosso has announced that Formula 2 driver Sean Gelael will be joining the team for in-season testing throughout 2017.
The 20-year-old will be taking part in the Bahrain, Hungary and Abu Dhabi tests during the season alongside his full-time drive with Arden in Formula 2.
Gelael, who is financially backed by Indonesian oil company Pertamina, made his debut in single-seater racing back in 2012.
This was followed by campaigns in the European Formula 3 Championship during 2013 and 2014.
After finishing 18th in 2014, where he was partnered by recent GP2 runner-up Antonio Giovinazzi, the Indonesian made the step up to GP2 with Carlin Motorsport for 2015.
His most recent GP2 campaign saw him pick up a podium in Spielberg on his way to 15th in the drivers’ championship.
Gelael will make his F1 testing debut with Toro Rosso in Bahrain during April before another test in Hungary during the season’s summer break.
He will then also take part in the Abu Dhabi test at the end of the 2017 season.
The Indonesian has taken on the testing role over current Red Bull Junior drivers, including 17-year-old Niko Kari.
Kari, who will be racing for Arden Motorsport in GP3 this season, is rated highly within the program but will not be involved in Toro Rosso’s testing schedule for the time being.
