http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/64970

Renault sign Yamamoto as test driver

By Pablo Elizalde Monday, February 4th 2008, 09:47 GMT

The Renault F1 team have signed Japanese Sakon Yamamoto as their test driver for the 2008 season, it was announced on Monday.

The 25-year-old, who has 14 Grand Prix starts to his name with the Super Aguri and Spyker teams, will conduct test development work for Renault, and will also play an important role in the F1 Roadshow programme.

"We are delighted to welcome Sakon to the team for 2008," said team boss Flavio Briatore. "We plan a particularly aggressive development programme for the coming year, and his F1 experience will be useful to us in this context.

"Furthermore, the ING Renault F1 Team is one of the most active in promoting Formula One around the world thanks to our unique Roadshow programme, and Sakon will boost our visibility in important markets. He will be an important asset for the team."

Yamamoto: "I am very excited to join the ING Renault F1 Team for the 2008 season. It is a great honour for me to be associated with a team that has won world championships.

"I will learn a fantastic amount, and I look forward to contributing in every way the team asks of me."