Mexican driver Alfonso Celis wants to use his Friday practice appearances this year to prove to Force India he's worthy of consideration for a race seat in 2017.
Celis joined Force India as development driver last year and has been signed on for seven Friday practice appearances, the first of which came in Bahrain last week. The 19-year-old also tested for the team at last year's Abu Dhabi tyre test and for two days of winter testing before the current campaign.
The youngster hopes he can use his appearances this year to move into consideration for a full-time drive.
"For sure, my personal goal is to end the year in a place where I have shown some performance and I show I am ready to be considered as a driver for next year," Celis said.
Asked what he wants to achieve over the year, he replied: "Improve step by step, it is my first year in F1 so I have a lot to learn. I have to be patient and improve each time I get in the car so that by the end of the year I can see an improvement."
Celis wants to use his practice performances to prove he is worth more to the team than the sponsorship money he brings with every appearance.
"It is not about that, the team has given me opportunity and chances in the car. It is not about sponsorship though that will be an aspect obviously, I will have to work on for next year if I want to race but I am doing what I can and showing on track why I should be in the car."