McLaren has announced that British rising star Oliver Turvey will test its Formula 1 car during this week's Jerez sessions.
Turvey has been in line for a McLaren test since winning the 2006 McLaren Autosport BRDC Award - a prestigious annual prize awarded to the likes of Jenson Button, David Coulthard and Anthony Davidson in the past.
“I’ve gone over this moment so many times in my mind, so it’s very exciting to be getting this opportunity to test with the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team at Jerez this week," said Turvey.
"My aim is to enjoy the experience, but also to learn as much as I can from it.
"If possible, I’d also like to be able to help the team with their preparations for the 2010 season.”
The 22-year-old from Cumbria had a cash-strapped start to his car racing career and was unable to contest a full season until he won the award three years ago.
He was narrowly pipped to the 2008 British Formula 3 title by Jaime Alguersuari, and then stepped up to the Formula Renault 3.5 series this year - taking his maiden win in the Monaco Grand Prix support race.
Turvey will race in GP2 next year and has already signed for iSport, the team that took Timo Glock to the 2007 crown.
McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh said the development of young talent was very important to his company and that he was delighted to give Turvey this chance.
“We’re extremely proud of our commitment to young talent and the efforts we’ve made to ensure the McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver winners are given the experience of a lifetime when they test with us," said Whitmarsh.
“A drive in a race-wining Formula 1 car is every racing driver’s dream, and I’m sure Oliver will use this week’s test as the perfect opportunity to broaden his experience as he continues his successful single-seater career.”