Yuki Tsunoda will finally achieve his long-held ambition of driving a current Red Bull.
Much has been made of the fact that even though Tsunoda has been an F1 driver for four years with Red Bull's 'sister' team, he has not once been afforded the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a Red Bull and show what he can do in current machinery.
It resulted in the CEO of the Honda Racing Corporation, Koji Watanabe, recently lobbying Red Bull to give Tsunoda a chance.
Tsunoda has long been linked with Honda, who were Red Bull's engine partners from 2019-2021, and who continue to be involved with the team via a technical partnership.
Watanabe said it was Honda's goal for Tsunoda to "secure a seat at Red Bull Racing". The Japanese driver is not out of the picture to replace Sergio Perez next season, even though team principal Christian Horner continues to reiterate the Mexican has a contract.
Tsunoda will now run in the end-of-season test in Abu Dhabi that follows two days after the final grand at the Yas Marina Circuit on July 8.
"Yuki is a member of the junior team, and it's something we have discussed with Honda," said Horner.
"We gave Yuki a run up the hill at Goodwood [the Festival of Speed] earlier in the year. That was unexpected, and he was the first driver to drive a current Formula 1 car in an open-face helmet and goggles.
"He will test the car again at the tyre test following the conclusion of the season. It's something that's been agreed for quite some time.
"It will be good to give him a run and get the opportunity to work with Red Bull Racing engineers and see how he performs in a Red Bull Racing car."
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