Fernando Alonso set for Pedro de la Rosa reunion as ex-Ferrari test driver joins Aston Martin

Fernando Alonso will be reunited with his former McLaren and Ferrari colleague Pedro de la Rosa when he joins Aston Martin next season, after the Spaniard was appointed as an ambassador for the British team.

De la Rosa, now 51, started 104 Grands Prix for teams such as Arrows, BMW Sauber and HRT, and worked with Alonso as test driver at McLaren and later at Ferrari. He also scored a memorable podium when he took P2 at the Hungaroring in 2006, after he replaced McLaren driver Juan Pablo Montoya for the second half of the season.

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The Spaniard will undertake media, PR and advisory duties and serve as a consultant to Aston Martin’s new Driver Development Programme – which has already signed F2 champion Felipe Drugovich.

“I am delighted to be joining Aston Martin as team ambassador,” he said. I already know many faces within the team, having worked extensively with [2023 race driver] Fernando Alonso during my time at McLaren and Ferrari, and I look forward to getting to know everyone within the organisation.

“I will draw on my experience and expertise to help the team grow and further develop the momentum it has been gathering ahead of the 2023 season, with a particular eye on supporting the marketing and commercial side of the business.

“It is clear to me that the potential of AMF1 is huge, and that the appointment of a brilliant roster of new technical leaders and new corporate partners, and next year’s arrival of Fernando, further strengthen the team’s resource and resolve to succeed.

“I am looking forward to working with Fernando, my old friend and fellow countryman, as you might expect, and also Lance Stroll, a gifted racer who has won all the junior categories on his way to Formula 1.

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“It is the perfect time to be joining the organisation and I will be working hard to make sure that we maximise every opportunity as together we build for an exciting future.”

Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack added: “No one in Formula One would deny Pedro’s expertise and experience – they are second to none – and I am confident that he will not only deliver for us within the remit of his role but will also find new ways to help us develop and improve in other areas. He is a fantastic addition to our team.”