Leimer to test for Sauber

The 22-year-old will join the team's reserve driver Esteban Gutierrez for the test that will take place on 15-17 November after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

"We are pleased we can offer Fabio this opportunity," said Sauber CEO Monisha Kaltenborn. "The test opportunities for young drivers are extremely limited nowadays, and it is always exciting to see how they deal with all the complexity of a Formula 1 test."

Swiss Laimer competed with the Rapax team in the GP2 Series during the 2011 season, finishing in 14th position after one win and one podium finish.

"When I found out that I will definitely take part in the Formula 1 test I realised for the first time what this actually means," said Laimer. "Being a racing driver, of course, you always dream of Formula 1. That this dream is now coming true is almost unbelievable.

"On top of that not many Swiss drivers have ever had the chance to test for the Sauber F1 Team. For this reason it is an even more special honour for me to be able to get my first laps in an F1 car under my belt as a Swiss for the Swiss team.

"I am very much looking forward to that challenge and want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has made it possible."