Force India development driver Alfonso Celis Jr will be the first to drive the team’s 2016 car at next week’s opening winter test.
The Mexican driver, who raced in GP3 last year with ART Grand Prix, joined the Silverstone-based outfit in September and will complete simulator work, as well as driving in seven first practice sessions for Force India in 2016.
The team has confirmed its driver schedule for the opening pre-season test, which takes place from the 22-25 February at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
The VJM09 will be unveiled in the pit lane on Monday morning, just prior to the first session. Celis Jr will be in the car on days one and four.
Race drivers Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg will take over on Tuesday and Wednesday, each getting one day in the car.
Celis Jr sampled F1 machinery for the first time at the Abu Dhabi test last year, driving for Force India.
"Ever since I started racing I’ve been dreaming of Formula 1, so it’s a huge honour to begin working with Sahara Force India," Celis Jr said.
"It’s an amazing opportunity for me to learn about Formula 1 and to work closely with the engineers and race drivers.
"Being on the track in Abu Dhabi will be an incredible feeling. It’s going to be the biggest moment in my career and I am fully focussed on doing a good job for the team."
