Calado joins Force India as third driver

James Calado will drive a Force India on Friday morning at Monza.

A month ago, rumours suggested the GP2 frontrunner - a 24-year-old Briton - would soon be signed as the Silverstone based team’s new reserve driver.

The news was confirmed officially by team boss Vijay Mallya on Monday.

"I’m pleased to confirm that we’ve signed James as our third driver. We worked with him during the Silverstone test and he impressed everyone with his speed and consistency," said Mallya.

"We’ve always tried to support young drivers and this is a great opportunity for James to gain some valuable experience of driving during Formula One race events."

Mallya said Calado, who is managed by Nicolas Todt, will drive on Friday morning at Monza, and also in initial practice "at several other races this year".

"James will take part in the opening free practice session on Friday. He will also run in practice at several other races this year. It’s always useful to get another driver’s feedback on the car and it will help us evaluate James."