Pedro de la Rosa 'can't wait' to start Ferrari Formula 1 role

De la Rosa joins friends and fellow Spaniards Fernando Alonso and Marc Gene at the Maranello squad after being left without a racing seat when the HRT team failed to find a buyer at the end of 2012.

The 41-year-old Catalan will assist Ferrari with its simulation programme, and he admitted he cannot wait to get started.

"It is amazingly motivating to be working for a team like Ferrari, not just because of what it represents in the history of Formula 1 and motoring in general, but also because it will be a completely new and very stimulating experience for me," said de la Rosa.

"I really hope I can get to work as soon as possible and to help in the development of the car. I am happy to be collaborating with Fernando again and also to be working with Felipe [Massa].

"There's not much time until Australia, but there is a lot to do and I am available to help the team from right now."

De la Rosa has a total of 104 grand prix starts to his name, with his best result a second place in the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix, where he raced a McLaren.

DE LA ROSA'S F1 CAREER

1998: Becomes Jordan test driver after winning Formula 3, Formula Nippon and Super GT titles in Japan.

1999-2000: Arrows race driver.

2001-2002: Starts '01 as Prost test driver before replacing Luciano Burti at Jaguar from Spanish Grand Prix.

2003-2009: McLaren test driver. Makes several starts in place of Juan Pablo Montoya in 2005 and '06, and takes first podium in Hungary '06.

2010: Makes surprise racing return with Sauber, but dropped after Italian GP.

2011: Becomes test driver for Pirelli for a spell, before rejoining McLaren as reserve. Makes a one-off return to a Sauber race seat to deputise for injured Sergio Perez in Canada.

2012: Back on the grid again with HRT, but team folds at end of season.