Da Costa lands test driver role at Red Bull

Infiniti Red Bull Racing have announced Sébastien Buemi and António Félix da Costa will make up the team’s test and reserve driver line-up in 2014. Da Costa was earlier considered for a race drive but lost out to Australian Daniel Ricciardo.

For Sébastien, 2014 will represent a third consecutive year in the role of Test and Reserve Driver at the team. The Swiss racer first filled the role in 2008 before graduating to an F1 race seat with Scuderia Toro Rosso in 2009. Since his move to Red Bull Racing, Buemi has competed in sportscar racing, including a second place finish at Le Mans.

António Félix da Costa, meanwhile, already has experience of the Test and Reserve Driver role at the team, having substituted for Sébastien at a few races during the 2013 season. The Portuguese racer also has experience of Infiniti Red Bull Racing F1 machinery having tested for the team at the 2013 Young Drivers’ Test in Silverstone, the 2012 Young Drivers’ Test in Abu Dhabi and having conducted a number of show car runs for the team during the past year.

Confirming the team’s test driver line-up, Infiniti Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner said: “It’s great to be able to announce the signing of Sébastien and António for 2014. Next year sees the biggest change to the Formula One regulations for some time and the return of multiple in-season tests. To therefore be able to call on two such capable drivers is of huge benefit to the team.

“In Sébastien we have a great resource, a driver with extensive grand prix experience and that will be invaluable. António, on the other hand, is an up-and-coming talent with whom we already have a good working relationship. I’m sure that his contribution will be just as important during what is sure to be an intensely busy season.”