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Mercedes’ new reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne says his priority is Formula E, but he is ready to step into the team’s F1 car if he is needed.
Vandoorne is driving for Mercedes’ Formula E team in the 2019/2020 season, but now he has also joined the manufacturer’s Formula 1 programme as a reserve driver.
“It’s very nice to go a step up within in the Mercedes family,” said Vandoorne.
“I was already involved in a lot of the simulator work, but now it will be a very busy year for me.
“I will be at all the grand prix unless they overlap with a race in Formula E. That is my priority, and the Formula 1 team knows that too.”
However the Belgian driver says he is not looking to enter Formula 1 at any cost.
“If I have to step in as a spare driver, then there would have to be a serious incident for Lewis Hamilton or Valtteri Bottas and of course I do not hope for that.
“But if I have to, I am ready.”
Vandoorne had a successful start to his first Formula E season with Mercedes, the Belgian finished third in the first two races in Saudi Arabia.
“I had a very good start to the season and I think I can have a very bright future in Formula E.
“I can show good results here, and that is the most important thing now,” concluded Vandoorne.
Source: RTBF
