Vodafone McLaren Mercedes will be testing 19-year-old Dane Kevin Magnussen later this year in an MP4-27. In the interim the youngster, son of former F1 driver Jan Magnussen, will become involved in preparatory work for Formula 1, including engineering support and working with Gary Paffett and Oliver Turvey in the F1 simulator, Magnussen has been a member of the McLaren Driver Development Programme since 2010. Last year he finished runner-up in the British Formula 3 Championship, winning seven races. In 2012 he will combine his Vodafone McLaren Mercedes role with a full-time drive in World Series by Renault.

“Racing is the core business of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes,” said Martin Whitmarsh. “By enabling talented drivers to fulfil their potential, our Driver Development Programme is a strategic investment in the future of that business and the sport as a whole. We’ve been delighted by Kevin’s progress, aptitude and work ethic thus far. The time was right for him to take the next step and we look forward to helping him gain the experience he requires.”