Gerhard Berger nephew Lucas Auer to make debut F1 test with Force India in Hungary

DTM driver Lucas Auer will get his maiden Formula 1 run as he participates in the in-season test after the Hungarian Grand Prix for Force India.

Auer, who races with Mercedes, sits second in the DTM standings, two points behind Mattias Ekstrom. His previous single-seater career boasts victories in German Formula 3 and the FIA F3 Euro series.

The 22-year-old Austrian - nephew of former F1 driver Gerhard Berger, who raced for McLaren, Ferrari and Benetton - is managed by George Nolte, who currently also manages 2016 F1 champion Nico Rosberg.

He will take part in the two-day testing session after the race in Budapest with half a day of running on the Tuesday and the same on Wednesday; both days will be shared with Russian F3 driver Nikita Mazepin who took part in last year's testing session at Silverstone.

"I’m delighted to welcome Lucas to the team and will follow his progress closely," said Force India Team Principal Vijay Mallya.

"It’s always a special moment when a driver gets to experience an F1 car for the first time and I’m pleased Lucas can make his debut in one of our cars."

"We already know Nikita well and giving him time in the VJM10 is the next stage in his development programme with us," continued Mallya.

Auer said his chance to test with Force India was “Really exciting news - the most beautiful moment of my life.

"For me, it's a childhood dream come true to drive an F1 car for the first time. I'm particularly proud that this will happen with Force India - a top Formula 1 team.

"I must say thank you to everybody who has worked to make this possible, especially to the team at Force India who have given me this opportunity. I will be aiming to make the most of the test - and, of course, I'll be savouring every second of it."

Before the Hungarian GP, Auer will be competing in both races of the DTM's Moscow round (July 21-23), and Auer maintains he is focused on competing for the DTM championship lead.

"Obviously, this is a dream come true. It's something I've been working towards all my life. But again, the focus has to be on the DTM," he continued in a statement from Mercedes.

"I'm not thinking about the F1 test yet.

"This weekend, we have DTM races in Moscow. That's what I'm concentrating on and working towards.

"I'm in my third year and have at last got myself into a superb position regarding the championship, so I'd have to be stupid to allow myself to become distracted."