Force India is handing Alfonso Celis Jr. the keys and allowing the young Mexican to make his official Formula 1 debut at the opening free practice session during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend.
Celis, 19, will replace fellow countryman Sergio Perez at the Sakhir International Circuit, in what will be his first of seven scheduled outings for the 2016 season.
The development driver took part in a Pirelli tire test at the end of last season at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, and also put two days in behind the wheel of this year’s car, the VJM09, at the first pre-season test at Barcelona’s Catalunya circuit.
Celis will also compete in Formula V8 3.5 with AVF in addition to his duties at Force India for the 2016 season.
Joey Barnes is the Founder of Motorsports Tribune, an outlet that began with the goal of helping aspiring journalists break into and grow the industry. A regular on the racing scene since 2013, the journey for Joey started by covering a Grand-Am event at Circuit of The Americas in his home state of Texas. He has since primarily focused on the IndyCar Series, with appearances in the garages of NASCAR, paddocks of Formula 1, IMSA and World Endurance Championship, while also occasionally engulfing clouds of dust at the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals and select Supercross rounds. With previous stops at Autoweek, IndyCar.com, Motorsport.com and RACER, among others, Joey evolved from the singular task as a freelance writer to advanced roles behind the copy desk and alongside some of the best editorial teams in the business. Recognized as a multi-time award winner by the National Motorsports Press Association, Joey currently resides in Dallas-Fort Worth with his trusty four-legged canine companion, Rocket.
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