Force India has signed 19-year-old Mexican Alfonso Celis as a development driver for the 2016 season.
Celis will make his F1 debut at the end-of-season Pirelli tyre test in Abu Dhabi, sharing the driving with Nico Hulkenberg. Next year he will drive in seven Friday practice sessions for Force India as well as working with the team in its simulator in Silverstone.
Celis is racing in GP3 this season and is currently 13th in the standings with two rounds remaining. He also took part in Formula Renault 3.5, finishing the season 16th overall.
"Ever since I started racing I've been dreaming of Formula One, so it's a huge honour to begin working with Sahara Force India," he said. "It's an amazing opportunity for me to learn about Formula One and to work closely with the engineers and race drivers. Being on the track in Abu Dhabi will be an incredible feeling. It's going to be the biggest moment in my career and I am fully focussed on doing a good job for the team."
Team principal Vijay Mallya added: "I would like to welcome Alfonso to the team and wish him well ahead of his debut with us in Abu Dhabi. As our development driver we will work hard to prepare him for the demands of driving in Formula One and provide a good grounding in all aspects of the job. It's a fantastic opportunity for Alfonso to learn from Sergio and Nico, and to get valuable mileage in the car."