Rising British talent Oliver Turvey has been confirmed as a Test Driver for the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes F1 Team. Having been part of the McLaren family for the last two seasons, the extension, will allow Oliver to continue to gain experience while contributing to the development of the car in a leading team. 24-year-old Oliver helped to unveil the all-new MP4-27, McLaren’s challenger for the 2012 season, alongside race drivers Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton at the McLaren Technology Centre on Wednesday 1st February 2012. In addition to being part of the team’s official media launch, the Cumbrian racer was also given the honour of ‘first-run’ in McLaren’s new F1 car. Ahead of the first official test in Jerez, Oliver will perform a series of Aero tests, this coming weekend. “I am delighted to continue my relationship with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes F1. They are a fantastic team with a proven track-record and are passionate racers, like myself. I have been able to learn a lot during the last two-years and I will continue to work hard for the team,” commented a focused Turvey. “It is great to be given the first drive in the new MP4-27, which I’m sure will be an exciting moment for everyone in the team. I would like to thank Martin Whitmarsh and Jonathan Neale as well as the rest of the management at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes for the opportunities they have given me and look forward to working with the team in the season ahead.” In addition to working closely with the race team in the upcoming F1 tests, Oliver will continue developing the MP4-27 in the Simulator as McLaren look to prepare for the upcoming season. In addition to his duties with the F1 team, Oliver is in the process of exploring opportunities with McLaren GT as he seeks a race-drive to dovetail his F1 driving duties.