Current Auto GP leader Kimiya Sato, who exited the recent round at Mugello tied in points with Sergio Campana, will be entering the upcoming Formula 1 test set for July 17th to 19th at Silverstone. Running for Vincenzo Sospiri's Euronova Racing, Sato scored one win at the British venue to get a good jump in standings and is now ready to be back there for his maiden run in the top open-wheel competition.

The Japanese racer, born on the 5th of June 1989 in Kobe, will be driving for Sauber, a team that has a long history in supporting young drivers coming from the developmental series' panorama. They launched drivers like Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa, who are still running strong in Formula 1. Sato will be driving on the 19th of July, one day after team's regular Nico Hulkenberg.

Sato is just the last Auto GP driver in time to join Formula 1. The list includes 2010 Champion Romain Grosjean, currently lined-up by the Lotus team and Kevin Ceccon, who won in 2011 and drove for Toro Rosso in the same season. In addition to them, recent news talk about the decision from Sauber to entrust Sergey Sirotkin, who drove for Euronova in 2012.

Enzo ColoniI'm very happy that Kimiya will be called to prove his value in Formula 1. The Silverstone test will be a good occasion to showcase his potential and compete with some other top young drivers. The Auto GP provided F.1 with other top drivers like Romain Grosjean and Sato will join the same successful list. He proved competitive against former F1 men like Narain Karthikeyan and Christian Klien so I'm sure he will be able to get good results in testing at Silverstone.

Click here for the Official Felipe Massa web site - designed and built by Racecar

Click here for the Official Kimi Raikkonen web site - designed and built by Racecar