Davidson set for 'dream' F1 debut

The British American Racing test driver will sub for the Malaysian at the Hungaroring and the Belgium GP at the beginning of next month. The team says that it is the "intention" for Yoong to reclaim his seat for the final three races of the season.

"This is a fantastic opportunity, as F1 is something that I've been dreaming about since I was a child," said a delighted Davidson, 23. "I want to do a professional job for Paul Stoddart and the KL Minardi Asiatech team in Hungary, and my primary target is to qualify for the race.

"If I can do that in my first grand prix I will be more than happy. I've not been to the Hungaroring before, so this will be a new experience for me. I love learning new circuits, though, as it's all part of the challenge of motor racing."

Yoong failed to qualify for two of the past three races and the Malaysian has accepted the team's decision after "a frank discussion" with team boss Stoddart.

"It was a mutual decision, as both he and I felt a rest would be beneficial for me in the medium term," said Yoong. "The breather will allow me to regroup and recharge in order to take on these challenges again."

Stoddart said: "It has obviously been a difficult decision to 'rest' Alex for two races, but it's clear he is struggling with his qualifying pace at the moment.

"Ours is not a team that abandons its drivers, though, and it therefore seemed like the most constructive course of action was to let Alex have a short break from the pressure-laden environment of F1 weekends."