Paffett reserve for Force India

Gary Paffett will act as Force India's reserve driver at the Australian GP as Jules Bianchi is testing at Paul Ricard ahead of the World Series by Renault.

British driver to act as cover for two teams at the Australian Grand Prix

Gary Paffett will act as Force India's reserve driver at the Australian Grand Prix as Jules Bianchi is testing at Paul Ricard ahead of his assault on the World Series by Renault. The 30-year-old British driver will step into the race seat should Paul di Resta or Nico Hulkenberg be unable to compete in Melbourne. He will also continue in his role as McLaren test driver, which he has held since 2005, and should both teams be in need of a reserve this weekend, McLaren will have first option. Paffett admitted it was nice to know Force India rated him highly enough to request his services as a reserve. "I'm happy to be available for Sahara Force India for this weekend," Paffett told the team's official website. "Of course, it's unlikely that I will be called up and hopefully it won't happen, but it's nice to know that the team thought of me. "I'd also like to thank McLaren and Mercedes for making me available should the need arise."