Alonso to Test for Jaguar this Week

Spanish driver Fernando Alonso will test for the Jaguar Formula One team, the Milton Keynes squad announced on Monday.

Alonso, the current test driver for the Renault team, will join Australian James Courtney and German Andre Lotterer in a test at the Silverstone circuit from Tuesday to Thursday this week.

Jaguar boss Niki Lauda claimed that the objective of the test was only to compare Alonso to Jaguar's current test drivers.

"Our objective here is to conduct a true assessment of James and Andre by comparing them to what I regard as one of the best new talents in Formula One," said Lauda. "I am very interested to see how my two young drivers compare to Fernando who, for the first time, will drive a Jaguar Formula One car."

20-year old Alonso made his Formula One debut last season with the Minardi team, impressing with his skills despite failing to score a point for the Anglo-Italian squad. Alonso is currently under contract from Renault.

"When Niki asked for Fernando's services for this one-off test, I was happy to help," said Renault boss Flavio Briatore. "Fernando's proven skills will no doubt help Niki set a benchmark for his two drivers. It will also provide Fernando an opportunity to widen his experience.

"This somewhat unusual test will create a lot of interest, which is no bad thing for young drivers in Formula One."