F2 star Tsunoda joins AlphaTauri for Abu Dhabi F1 test
The AlphaTauri Formula 1 team has formally confirmed Red Bull junior Yuki Tsunoda will take part in the Abu Dhabi young drivers' test next week
The Japanese driver is expected to be announced soon as at AlphaTauri for 2021, alongside Pierre Gasly.
Tsunoda finished his rookie Formula 2 season with a feature race win and second place in the Sakhir Grand Prix support events.
He officially qualified for his FIA super licence by finishing in third place in the 2020 championship, and also won the Anthoine Hubert award for best rookie.
He enjoyed his first taste of F1 power when he tested a 2018 Toro Rosso at Imola in the week after the Emilia Romagna GP, impressing the team on a day that started in tricky and damp conditions.
"Yuki showed at the test in Imola that he is a fast learner, able to easily get familiar with the car and was able to constantly improve every lap," said team principal Franz Tost.
"So we decided to have him test with us at the young driver test after the race.
"I'm convinced he will make a good step forward having a full day in the car, and this time he will be driving the AT01, so his feedback will be even more valuable for our engineers.
"It's great to see that the Red Bull driver programme can prepare young drivers so well, and I have no doubts he will prove his talent once again."
Tsunoda expressed excitement over the opportunity, adding: "I am really looking forward to testing with Scuderia AlphaTauri.
"I enjoyed driving one of the team's 2018 cars at Imola a few weeks back and I can't wait to try the current car, taking part in an official test session with all the other cars on track.
"I really appreciate how everyone at Scuderia AlphaTauri has helped me to prepare for this session, and I also want to thank Red Bull and Dr [Helmut] Marko for giving me this opportunity.
"During the session, my focus will be on following the team's instructions and giving my feedback to the engineers.
"It will also be a chance for me to learn as much as possible and help my own personal development."
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