McLaren Mercedes confirmed on Wednesday that 2005 DTM Champion Gary Paffett has become a Team McLaren Mercedes test driver.

Gary will form an integral part of the development of the team's 2006 World Championship challenger the MP4-21 in the months to come together with Kimi Raikkonen, Juan Pablo Montoya and Pedro de la Rosa.

Gary's relationship with the team began in December 1999 when he was awarded the prestigious 'McLaren Autosport Young Driver of the Year Award. As a result of winning the Award, Gary conducted his first Formula One test with Team McLaren Mercedes in 2000 and since then he has helped the team with both its testing and simulation work on a regular basis. In 2003 Gary joined Mercedes-Benz in the DTM Championship and went on to claim the title in 2005.

"I'm really excited about this opportunity and the challenges ahead," said Gary.

"This is the culmination of my continuous relationship with McLaren and Mercedes-Benz. For my efforts to be officially recognized by one of the most successful Formula One teams and reaching my goal of getting a regular Formula One seat is a fantastic feeling.

"I have really enjoyed my time in the DTM Championship and being able to also continue my relationship with Mercedes-Benz in this manner is the icing on the cake. I'm 100 per cent committed to my role as a Team McLaren Mercedes test driver and can't wait to start the 2006 testing programme.

"I want to thank everybody who has helped me achieve this goal - it wouldn't have been possible without their support," he added.

Source: Xinhua