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Ex-Toro Rosso Formula 1 driver Brendon Hartley has landed a Ferrari simulator role for 2019.
Hartley was axed by Red Bull after just one full season in F1, a move he recently claimed was the result of a plan that began during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend early in the season.
The Le Mans 24 Hours winner and World Endurance champion had not communicated any 2019 plans previously but has now been confirmed as part of Ferrari’s development team.
Ferrari needed to replace two key simulator drivers from 2018, after Antonio Giovinazzi and Daniil Kvyat landed full-time race seats at Sauber and Toro Rosso respectively.
Hartley will be part of a four-driver simulator line-up at Ferrari, three of whom will be new to the programme.
Pascal Wehrlein has been confirmed, after Autosport revealed he was set to join Ferrari this season alongside his Mahindra Formula E campaign, as has Formula 2 race winner Antonio Fuoco.
They join experienced development driver Davide Rigon.
New Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto said: “Our team has taken on four undoubtedly talented drivers, who possess innate feeling, with a strong understanding of race cars and tracks.
“These are exactly the qualities required in the skilful role of driving in a simulator, one of the vital pieces of equipment in the Formula 1 of today”.