Toro Rosso will hand a Formula One test debut to Brazilian racer Sergio Sette Camara at the upcoming in-season session at Silverstone.
The 18-year-old Red Bull Junior Team member, currently seventh in the FIA European Formula Three standings, will drive the Italian team's Ferrari-powered STR11 on the second day of the two-day test, which immediately follows July’s 2016 Formula 1 British Grand Prix.
“I’m very happy and excited to be testing with Scuderia Toro Rosso,” commented Camara, who trialled an F1 car for the first time with a demonstration run in a 2012 vintage Red Bull RB8 earlier this year.
“It’s a great opportunity which I’ve worked very hard for and I’d like to thank everyone who has made this possible, especially Red Bull.
“This will be my first official Formula One test and I will make sure I do the best job possible as well as have fun - it’s not something that happens every day! Silverstone is a great track which I know quite well as I’ve already driven there before, so this will definitely help me on the day to focus on the car and all the new information without having to learn a new layout at the same time.
“I just can’t wait to drive out of the garage, it will definitely be a moment I will never forget!”
Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost added: “Giving young drivers, mainly those from the Red Bull Junior Team, a real taste of Formula One, is something we have become accustomed to doing at Toro Rosso.
“Personally, I find it fascinating to see how these youngsters adapt, not just to the extra power, downforce and braking of a Formula One car, but also how they react to the pressure of a day in the F1 spotlight.
“It provides a valuable insight into how they might progress in the future. Therefore I am pleased to welcome Sergio to our team for the day and I hope that it will be a mutually beneficial experience.”
Carlos Sainz is scheduled to drive the STR11 on the opening day of the test. However, F1 rules dictate that each team must dedicate two of their four days of in-season testing to running young drivers.
