Formula 2 driver Colton Herta gets the chance this season to drive four first free practice sessions for the Cadillac team in Formula 1. The American will make his debut during the Grand Prix weekend in Barcelona. The team sees this as a logical next step, as he is a test driver for Cadillac. “I hope I can contribute to the team,” said Herta.
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The appearance in Spain will be Colton Herta’s first official session during a Formula 1 weekend for Cadillac. The team has confirmed that the American will drive three other weekends in the first free practice besides Spain. “I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the Cadillac car for the first time,” Herta said in a team press release.
‘I’m looking forward to it’
According to the team, this is an important milestone in Herta’s career development. The driver wants to gain experience during a real race weekend. The 26-year-old American has already done tests in the simulator, as he is a test driver for the team. “I’m looking forward to working closely with the team and am fully focused on learning from every session. I hope I can contribute to the race weekend and help the team, Checo, and Valtteri as best as possible,” the Formula 2 driver said.
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The announcement follows a – according to the team – strong debut by Herta in Formula 2, a seventh place in the feature race at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne in Formula 2. Cadillac team boss Graeme Lowdon sees the training sessions as a logical continuation. “Completing all four of our first free practice sessions for young drivers is a logical next step in his role as a test driver. I look forward to seeing what he can contribute in terms of development and focus,” said Lowdon. CEO Dan Towriss also emphasizes the importance of the opportunity the former IndyCar driver is getting. “This is a valuable chance for him to further develop, both on and off the track, and to experience a Formula 1 weekend up close.”
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