SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

Chilton is new Marussia reserve driver

GP2 driver Max Chilton has been promited from Marussias Yong Driver Programme to official F1 reserve driver for the remainder of the season, beginning in Japan.

GP2 driver Max Chilton has been promoted from Marussia's Yong Driver Programme to official F1 reserve driver for the remainder of the season, beginning in Japan.

Chilton races for Marussia Carlin in GP2 and currently lies fifth in the championship, having taken two pole positions, winning from one of them in Hungary.

"Max's impressive performances this season have gone far from unnoticed and he seems to mature with each round. It will be important for him to spend time with the engineering community and other, more experienced drivers. Max will be exposed to the demands of competing in F1 to the extent that he will be fully prepared to step into the MR01 should it be required."

Chilton, the 21-year-old son of multi-millionaire Aon Group vice chairman and Aon Benfield chief Grahame Chilton, added: "I feel like my racing has really matured this season and now to be able to combine that with real insight into the engineering activities of an F1 team, and the level of preparation required of an F1 driver, really moves my career onto the next level."