Pirelli hopes Alguersuari makes 2013 return

Pirelli’s Paul Hembery is confident Jaime Alguersuari will be back on the grid soon.

After losing Red Bull’s backing and his Toro Rosso seat at the end of last season, the now 22-year-old Spaniard kept his F1 dream alive by accepting the role as official tyre supplier Pirelli’s main test driver.

This week, he is in action at Belgium’s fabled Spa Francorchamps.

"These days there are few opportunities for drivers to drive formula one cars," Hembery told El Confidencial.

"Right now Jaime is doing almost 700 kilometres a day, the equivalent of two grands prix. This year he will do six tests which is basically 12 grands prix.

"For him it’s a fantastic opportunity to get back in. And I hope he can, because he has the talent for it.

"Sometimes you have to step back to step forwards, like (Romain) Grosjean, who had a hard time at first but is now able to show his maturity and preparedness.

"I hope it’s the same for Jaime," added Hembery.