GARY PAFFETT IS 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 recognised 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."

"We are certain that Gary is the right choice as Team McLaren Mercedes test driver and are pleased to welcome him to the team," said Martin Whitmarsh, CEO Formula One, Team McLaren Mercedes. "In order to achieve our objective of winning races and World Championship we have to employ the best drivers available and Gary definitely fits into this category. He has been involved with McLaren and Mercedes-Benz since winning the 'McLaren Autosport Young Driver Award' and we are pleased that the right opportunity came along at the right time. Gary is committed to the work laying ahead of him and everybody at McLaren look forward to his contribution."

"Whilst we are pleased to welcome Gary to the team, we are still in discussion with Alex Wurz regarding his future and will announce our plans in due course," continues Martin Whitmarsh.

Norbert Haug, Vice President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport said: "Gary deserved his chance and he has seized it. In the last two years in the DTM Championship he proved his talent against tough competition. Since he started taking part in the team's Formula One tests on the 28th November, Gary has completed a total of more than 1,100 kilometres and convinced the team of his capabilities. His promotion to the Formula One team demonstrates that DTM is also a springboard for young talents who can make their way through touring cars to the top category of motor sport."

GARY PAFFETT BIOGRAPHY

Nationality: British
Date of Birth: 24.03.1981
Place of Birth: Bromley, England
Marital Status: Married to Lisa: one son (Harvey)
Height: 1.75m
Weight: 76kg
Resident: Haverhill, England
Favourite Music: Coldplay, James Blunt, Keane, Goldfrapp
Hobbies: Karting, football, golf, computers and games
Website: www.garypaffett.com

FORMULA ONE
2006 Team McLaren Mercedes Test Driver

COMPETITION HISTORY
2005 Champion in the DTM (German Touring Car Masters) with AMG-Mercedes C-Class and the HWA team: five wins, four pole positions. Announced as Team McLaren Mercedes Test driver in December.
2004 DTM runner-up Series with AMG-Mercedes C-Class and the HWA team: four wins, one pole position.
2003 Gary competed in one F3000 race before signing for DTM with Rosberg's Mercedes AMG team. He finished 11th overall.
2002 Winner of the German F3 Championship never losing the lead throughout the championship.
2001 German F3 Championship racing with Keke Rosberg's race team; finished 6th overall.
2000 BRDC Formula 3 Scholarship Class Champion, 13 wins, 13 fastest laps, 13 pole positions.
2000 BRDC Silver Award Winner, The youngest driver ever to be awarded a BRDC silver award.
1999 Formula Vauxhall Junior Champion; two track records, four wins, five fastest laps, three pole positions; Awarded McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year.
1998 Formula Vauxhall Junior Class B Champion; 13 fastest laps, 13 poles, 13 races. Won every race of the year; the only class ‘B’ car to set a track record.
1997 Winner of the Formula Vauxhall Junior Winter Series; Best newcomer.
1996 MSA-RAC second in the British Junior ICA Championship.
1996 McLaren Mercedes Karting Champion of the Future.
1995 Second in the Junior ICA European Championship.
1995 British Junior TKM Champion.
1994 Second in the British Junior TKM Championship.
1993 Third in the British Cadet Championships.