APRIL 3, 2003

De la Rosa signs for McLaren

Pedro de la Rosa has joined the Team McLaren Mercedes team as a test driver to assist David Coulthard, Kimi Raikkonen and Alexander Wurz with the development of the MP4/17D and the new MP4/18. The 32-year-old Spaniard has already taken part in two tests with the team.

"As a consequence of the demands of our intensive test and development programme, we felt that it would be beneficial for the entire team to have an additional permanent driver resource," said McLaren's Martin Whitmarsh. "Pedro has substantial Formula 1 experience, and will therefore be able to maximize the extensive development programme he will undertake for us during the season.

Pedro has been around the F1 scene since 1998 when he acted as a test driver for Jordan Grand Prix. He then spent two seasons at Arrows and a further two at Jaguar.