Kiwi driver Brendon Hartley's ready to take his chance on motorsport's biggest stage.
The 27 year-old from Palmerston North sat alongside Mercedes superstar Lewis Hamilton at the Formula One media session in Austin, Texas overnight, ahead of the United States Grand Prix on Monday morning (NZ time).
Hartley was a test driver for Red Bull and Toro Rosso almost a decade ago. Now he's set to become the first New Zealander in 34 years to drive in motorsport's premier class.
He revealed he made a phone call to a leading figure in the Toro Rosso camp when he found out Porsche was pulling out of the World Endurance Championship next year.
"I said look I'm a different driver than ten years ago ... I've learned a lot and if there's every an opportunity, I'm ready.
"He got the message and now this opportunity came up at the last minute and quite out of the blue in some respects."
There are three practice sessions and a qualifying session ahead of the Grand Prix on Monday morning.
The New Zealander is filling in for French driver Pierre Gasly at the Red Bull-funded Toro Rosso team, where he will pair with under-fire Russian Daniil Kvyat.
"These days I've talked a lot with team engineers. I cannot wait to get on the track in the first free practice. I think I can be ready, even if I have not been in a car for so long."
Hartley's taking things one step at a time.
"I was not told anything precise about the goals for the weekend," the New Zealander continued.
"I just want to do my best. I do not want to put too many expectations, I just want to have fun. I know this track very well, having run in other categories."
There has been speculation that he could be in line for a driver's seat with the team for the remaining three races of the Formula 1. Not that Hartley has been thinking that far ahead.
"I'm just focussed on doing the best I can this weekend."
Newshub.
