Alexander Rossi set for busy 2012 season

American driver Alexander Rossi has today been announced as Caterham F1’s test driver for the 2012 season. This move will see him compete in several Friday practice sessions, as well as compete in the 2012 Word Series by Renault Championship for the Arden-Caterham outfit.

Alexander Rossi competed in the inaugural GP3 season in 2010, ending the year 4th overall after a competitive season with ART Grand Prix. The American won two races, including several podium finishes throughout the course of the season. In 2011, he competed in his first full season of the World Series by Renault, ending the season 3rd overall after a highly competitive campaign which saw him win 9 of the 17 races throughout the year.

With a second season in the World Series by Renault planned for Rossi, coupled with Friday running in Formula 1 with Caterham, Alexander Rossi has a promising 2012 season ahead of him. A potential championship contender in the World Series by Renault, he could well be set to join the likes of Jean-Eric Vergne and Daniel Ricciardo in Formula 1 in the next few years.

"I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to make this dual announcement today.” Explained an elated Alexander Rossi, “My goal to be in Formula One is one step closer after being signed as Test Driver for Caterham F1 Team. I want to thank Tony Fernandes, Kamarudin Meranun and Riad Asmat for their trust in me and long-term commitment to my career. The Caterham F1 Team support, coupled with the efforts of my management and investors, has brought my goal of reaching an F1 race seat one step closer.”

With an American Grand Prix scheduled towards the end of season, Alexander Rossi seems to have become a Formula 1 test driver at exactly the right time. If he impresses enough throughout the 2012 season, Rossi could well find himself in Ricciardo’s shoes and racing in F1 at his home race in November.