Carroll, Rossiter Signed as BAR Testers

As well as being drafted in to help with development of the BAR007, the British pair have now been awarded with long-term contracts that will see the team continue to oversee their racing careers.
 
They have already been receiving technical assistance for their F3 programmes, as well as fitness training.

Carroll said: "This is fantastic news for me and I hope this is where my racing career will really start to take off now.  Being part of the Young Driver Programme has been a great opportunity to get behind the scenes in Formula One and understand exactly what it takes to be a Grand Prix driver, because there's no other formula quite like it. 

"I have learned so much about the car and how to work on my fitness, and this has been a tremendous bonus for me in competition this year. I'm really looking forward to the future with BAR."

Rossiter added: "This is a great opportunity for me and a dream come true, especially as this is only my fourth season of motor racing. The Young Driver Programme has already been a huge step in my career and has really helped me progress in all aspects.

"This doesn't mean that everything is done for me, I still have a great deal to learn and accomplish in my career and it is up to me to put the hard work in to achieve the targets set by the team. It will be great to get in the car and work with the team in the future."

The Young Driver Programme was the brainchild of BAR senior race engineer Jock Clear, who has since received the backing of new Sporting Director Gil de Ferran.

Clear said: "We feel that the time is right for them to make the next step. Whilst our Young Driver Programme will continue to focus on their all round development, they now become available for testing duties, and with that comes the responsibility of making a positive contribution to the team's progress."