Alguersuari set for test

The three day test, which runs from May 7-9, will be aimed at defining the range of 2013 Pirelli tyres. Three further tests are scheduled for Spa, Monza and Barcelona later in the year.

Following its struggles to secure a 2012 test car over the winter, Pirelli has invited teams to send observers to the first running of the R30 in order to ensure no outfit gains an unfair advantage.

Alguersuari, who joined Pirelli alongside Lucas di Grassi in March, said he could not wait to get behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car again.

"No one can imagine my enthusiasm in this very moment: I'm just counting down the minutes to be behind the wheel of the most sophisticated machinery in the world," Alguersuari said. "I could never imagine that I was going to miss so much the taste of Formula 1.

"I want to state my gratitude to Pirelli for their confidence, having had other options, and I'll try to do the best job for them!

"Alongside this role I will keep my post with BBC Radio. I am really grateful to them for giving me the opportunity of joining such a professional team. I'm a happy man."