Bird to join Mercedes for Abu Dhabi test

The 23-year-old, who is in fifth place in the GP2 championship, will join the German squad for the young driver test after the end of the season.

Bird first tested Formula 1 machinery when he drove for the Williams team in 2007, when he carried out a series of aerodynamic tests at the Kemble airfield.

"Sam has done an impressive job in the GP2 Series during his first season," said team boss Ross Brawn. "We are very pleased that Sam will be joining Mercedes for the Young Driver test next month and are confident that he will provide the team with the essential consistency and feedback we require.

"This is also an excellent chance for Sam to continue his progression in motorsport and widen his experience of Formula 1.

"Sam has been chosen due to his relevant current single-seater pedigree through his competition in GP2, the F3 Euro Series and British F3 and as an added bonus, he will have experience of the track from his GP2 racing over the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. We look forward to working with Sam at the test and to seeing his progress and feedback over the two days."

Norbert Haug added: "For the upcoming Young Driver test days in Abu Dhabi, it was important for us to find a young and talented driver with single-seater and preferably GP2 experience.

"Sam Bird, who competed in the F3 Euro Series last year with our DTM partner team Mucke Motorsport before he progressed to the ART team in GP2, who are also partners with Mercedes-Benz in F3, fulfils these requirements. With the experience that Sam will gain during the GP2 races in Abu Dhabi, I am sure he will be well prepared for the test."