Force India appoint Juncadella as F1 reserve driver

Spaniard Daniel Juncadella will be Force India's Formula One reserve driver this season while also competing in the German Touring Car championship (DTM) with Mercedes, the team announced on Friday.

Force India, who have Germany's Nico Hulkenberg and Mexican Sergio Perez as race drivers, use Mercedes engines.

Juncadella, 22, will take part in several Friday practice sessions and attend all races as well as working on the factory simulator.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for me to learn and will hopefully take me a step closer to eventually racing in Formula One," said the Spaniard, the 2012 European Formula Three champion who tested with Williams last year.

Britain's James Calado was Force India's reserve last year.

Several other drivers, including Hulkenberg and Frenchman Jules Bianchi, have used the role as a stepping stone to a Formula One race seat.

Image: Daniel Juncadella

Photograph: Sahara Force India Formula One Team