Brazil’s Razia named Marussia F1 driver

JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, Spain (dpa) – Brazilian newcomer Luiz Razia was Wednesday named driver at the Marussia Formula One team, joining Briton Alex Chilton.

Razia, 23, was a reserve driver for the team in 2010 and now takes the place of German Timo Glock, whose contract was recently terminated by mutual agreement.

“I am very proud to take the step up to a Formula 1 race seat, particularly with the team I began this journey with, since they helped show me what it takes to progress to the highest level,” Razia said.

The Brazilian then immediately started driving the new Marussia on the second day of pre-season testing on the course in southern Spain.

Former world champion Jenson Button of McLaren led the timesheets on Tuesday. Three rounds of tests are scheduled ahead of the March 17 season-opener in Australia.

The appointment of Razia leaves just one vacancy in the drivers’ line-up, at Force India.