Red Bull junior driver Jehan Daruvala has been confirmed to be taking part in another McLaren test, as part of the Woking-based team’s testing of previous cars programme (TPC).
The Indian driver currently sits fifth in the Formula 2 standings after a solid season, with the 23-year-old having claimed victory in the recent feature race at the Italian Grand Prix.
Daruvala’s victory at Monza was his first of the season, as the Indian looks set to claim a top five finish in the Drivers’ Championship.
The Prema Racing driver is interestingly testing for McLaren despite being part of Red Bull’s junior programme, which he joined in 2020.
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The Indian took part in a recent private test in McLaren’s MCL35M at the Algarve International Circuit, Portimao in July.
He also took part in a test for the British side earlier in the year at Silverstone, with a third test having been confirmed by the papaya side.
Daruvala joins a number of IndyCar drivers who have taken part in McLaren’s TPC, with the likes of Pato O’Ward, Colton Herta and Alex Palou, having also all tested for the team privately in the 2021 car.
The F2 driver’s third test for the team will take place towards the end of this week at the Circuit Paul Ricard, France.
The venue was recently not named on the 2023 Formula 1 calendar, which boasts an unprecedented 24 races.
Rumours are circulating that this season will be the Indian driver’s last in the junior category, with the 23-year-old currently looking into the possibility of moving to Formula E or IndyCar.
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A number of Formula E seats are still to be filled, including, a seat at the new McLaren Formula E team for season nine.
However, should Daruvala instead opt for a move across the Atlantic, he will follow the likes of Christian Lundgaard who moved from F2 to IndyCar this season, and also Callum Ilott, although the Brit did take a year out of single-seater racing.
A move to F1 in the near future looks incredibly unlikely; however, should he maintain a good relationship with Red Bull and McLaren then this could open a number of opportunities up to the Prema driver.