Force India has confirmed that its development driver Alfonso Celis Jr will make his first practice debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The Mexican joined Force India at the end of last year, sampling F1 machinery for the first time at the post-Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Pirelli tyre test.
He then debuted the Silvestone-based outfit’s new 2016 car at the opening winter test. Celis Jr completed two days of running in the VJM09.
#FeelTheFonz: @FonsoCelisJr will make his FP1 debut at the Bahrain GP, taking over fellow Mexican Checo Perez's car. pic.twitter.com/9eJ8Hd0I6c
— Sahara Force India (@ForceIndiaF1) March 24, 2016
Celis Jr will replace Sergio Perez in first practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit.
Force India confirmed the news on Twitter. He raced in GP3 and Formula Renault 3.5 in 2015, finishing 12th and 16th respectively in the two series.