McLaren have confirmed that Gary Paffett will be their reserve driver at least until the beginning of the 2010 DTM season.
The 28-year-old has occasionally tested McLaren cars in the past. However, he will again be racing for Mercedes-Benz in DTM in 2010 and that series kicks off once more in April, heightening the need for McLaren to add to their back-up staff with Pedro de la Rosa having ceased his association with the team to drive for Sauber in 2010.
Either way, Paffett will be reserve driver for the season-opening race in Bahrain this weekend and the subsequent Grands Prix in Australia, Malaysia and China, with team boss Martin Whitmarsh saying he has earned his chance.
"Gary has been on the team since 2006 and we value his dedication and technical feedback," Whitmarsh bwas quoted as saying by GMM.
"We need someone who's ready to step in if anything should happen to prevent Jenson (Button) or Lewis (Hamilton) from taking part in a Grand Prix weekend.
"We know from working with Gary, and from watching his performances in other racing categories, that he's ready and able to take on this responsibility."