Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN will welcome one of motorsport’s rising stars to its ranks as Callum Ilott joins the team as second Reserve Driver for the 2021 season.

The FIA Formula 2 championship runner-up last year joins the Italian team for the 2021 season following a couple of outings with the team in the past.

Ilott, 22, had his first test appearance in 2019 with the team and a recent outing at the 2020 post-season test in Abu Dhabi.

The Ferrari Driver Academy star will share reserve driver duties with Robert Kubica in events during which the Pole is unavailable due to his racing and testing commitments in other motorsport categories.

Frédéric Vasseur, Team Principal

“His journey through the junior series has been an impressive one and he is, without doubt, one of the most talented young drivers coming through the ranks. He has worked with us before, each time leaving a lasting impression thanks to his work ethic and good feedback.”

Most importantly for the English driver, he will also take part in a number of FP1 sessions throughout the season, starting this Friday at the Portuguese Grand Prix.

This is exactly what he would have been looking for following a great season last year in F2 and the disappointment of not gaining a seat in F1.

“I am really happy to be joining the team for this season and I’d like to thank Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN and the Ferrari Driver Academy for the trust they have put in me. The two sessions I had with the team in the last two years have been extremely useful in getting me accustomed to the way a Formula One team works and I am confident I can hit the ground running in my new role as one of the reserve drivers at Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN. I can’t wait to be in the car and help the team continue its progress.”

We look forward to seeing Callum on track at this weekends Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Image: Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN