HRT signs Yamamoto as Friday driver

(GMM) HRT has signed Sakon Yamamoto as a test, reserve and occasional 'Friday' driver.

It had been expected that team boss Colin Kolles would pay a driver to run during Friday practice sessions to gauge the competitiveness of the F110 car, as well as the pace of Bruno Senna and Karun Chandhok.

Japanese Yamamoto, 27, contested 14 grands prix with Super Aguri and Spyker in 2006 and 2007.

"I hope I will be able to gather useful data whenever possible on Friday for the race drivers," he said in a media statement.

Kolles added: "I am confident that his input into the development of our car will be useful and means another reinforcement of our team as the European season starts in Barcelona."