Hartley third official Red Bull driver

Brendon Hartley has taken over from David Coulthard as the official reserve driver for the Red Bull Racing team.

Despite the lack of tests during the season, the 19-year-old driver from New Zealand will remain available in case one of the official Red Bull drivers is unable to race during the season.

The news broke when Hartley, the first to have tested for the Red Bull Racing team last year, obtained his super license, required to be a Formula 1 driver, from the FIA.

After competing in the British Formula 3 Championship last year, the dream of becoming a third driver has become a reality.

« I am very happy to have obtained my great license », he declared.

« I would like to thank Red Bull for the great support since 2005 and this new role is an important new step in my career. I will do everything possible to achieve my goal of becoming a Formula 1 driver. I know that with the testing ban, I won’t be able to accumulate many miles behind the wheel of the car, but I am now part of the team and will learn a lot. »

During the 2009 season, Hartley will serve as the official reserve driver for both Red Bull teams and will therefore be able to step in at any time for Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel, Sébastien Bourdais, or Sébastien Buemi.