From GMM

Young New Zealander Brendon Hartley is in the running to become a full time formula one test driver for Red Bull in 2009.

The 19-year-old New Zealander's agent Peter Johnston confirmed to the local news agency NZPA that Hartley, who finished third in this year's British F3 series, will substitute for the injured Mark Webber at the Jerez test later in December.

"Depending on his performance, he could become a full time test driver for Red Bull in 2009," Johnston said.

Hartley is now among the cream of the Red Bull's junior driver programme, and has done some limited testing with the energy drink's two formula one teams in 2008.

Johnston said: "The Red Bull test is another step forward for his dream of reaching formula one - it's all part of his apprenticeship."

Hartley visited Red Bull's Milton Keynes (UK) factory this week for a seat fitting.

This year's Red Bull test driver was Sébastien Buemi, who is tipped to move up to a race seat at Toro Rosso in 2009.


Photo Credit : Red Bull - Gepa Pictures