Kiwi motorsport driver Brendon Hartley is full of excitement after being named to his Formula One debut with the Toro Rosso team at next weekend's US Grand Prix in Austin.
Hartley will take the place of Pierre Gasly for next weekend's race while the Frenchman takes a brief break to compete in the Super Formula Championship in Japan.
The 27-year-old admitted he did not expect this opportunity to come around, but is ready to make the most of it.
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"I feel ready for it, honestly; I feel up to it. I am excited, I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit nervous," Hartley told NZME.
"I didn't really expect to get another opportunity.
"I hadn't given-up but part of me thought it was going to be tough. I guess this story shows you never should give up and dreams can come true. It is all cliche what I am saying but that is the truth of it, that is how it has happened."
The Manawatu-born driver will become New Zealand's first Formula One driver since Mike Thackwell competed back in 1984.
Hartley said he has already received lots of support from people in New Zealand, including one very special message from one very special person.
"There are all these thing I am trying not to think of, but am very aware of. It's going to be really special to me.
"When I line-up on that Formula One grid for the first time I am sure there will be quite a few emotions.
"I am really proud that I can fly the flag. I had a text from Chris' [Amon] son James just saying how proud Chris would have been and that just means so much to me.
"I teared up a little. I knew Chris really well."
Newshub.
