Young driver test to move to Silverstone?

[Wizzie]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98421

The teams want the move because if the test stayed at Abu Dhabi, with the addition of the United States GP, it'd mean that many team members would have to work for over a month virtually non-stop.

[AndreaModa]

I really hope this happens, and that spectators are allowed in, because I'd be there in a flash! I don't have tickets to the GP this year, so if I can get in for the test that'll be my shot of live F1 for this season!

[dr-baker]

I really hope this happens, and that spectators are allowed in, because I'd be there in a flash! I don't have tickets to the GP this year, so if I can get in for the test that'll be my shot of live F1 for this season!

I would go too! That would fall nicely into my uni holidays...

[tzerof1]

I really hope this happens, and that spectators are allowed in, because I'd be there in a flash! I don't have tickets to the GP this year, so if I can get in for the test that'll be my shot of live F1 for this season!

As an American, I'm glad to be having a GP again, but I do sincerely feel bad if the teams did have to work a month straight. So I really hope the test gets moved to Silverstone. And if they allow spectators I think it would be great for the Silverstone organizers and all the fans like yourself and dr-baker. Plus I think it's better that the young drivers test on a track that has and will still have lasting relevance to F1. In sum, this is something really beneficial and it should be done

[AdrianSutil]

I really hope this happens, and that spectators are allowed in, because I'd be there in a flash! I don't have tickets to the GP this year, so if I can get in for the test that'll be my shot of live F1 for this season!

I would go too! That would fall nicely into my uni holidays...

I'd be there too. A great chance to see some up-and-coming drivers

plus Gary Paffett

[Wizzie]

I really hope this happens, and that spectators are allowed in, because I'd be there in a flash! I don't have tickets to the GP this year, so if I can get in for the test that'll be my shot of live F1 for this season!

I would go too! That would fall nicely into my uni holidays...

I'd be there too. A great chance to see some up-and-coming drivers

plus Gary Paffett

And now, for the big question in F1. Will Paffett ever get a race drive anywhere or will he keep testing until the end of time?

[AdrianSutil]

I think you just answered your own question mate

[Wizzie]

I think you just answered your own question mate

Once you think about it though, some of the midfield teams could do a lot worse than to give the guy a chance at a full-time gig.

[Shizuka]

This is a brilliant idea, Silverstone is a better track than Abu Dhabi will ever be.

[AdrianSutil]

I think you just answered your own question mate

Once you think about it though, some of the midfield teams could do a lot worse than to give the guy a chance at a full-time gig.

Maybe. But perennial test-drivers are totally different to racers. Whilst I don't doubt his technical ability with engineers about feedback and setting a car up, I'd seriously doubt he'd have the necessary skill to race and pass during a weekend. Maybe someone should give him a chance, but i think his time has well and truly passed.

[dr-baker]

I think you just answered your own question mate

Once you think about it though, some of the midfield teams could do a lot worse than to give the guy a chance at a full-time gig.

Maybe. But perennial test-drivers are totally different to racers. Whilst I don't doubt his technical ability with engineers about feedback and setting a car up, I'd seriously doubt he'd have the necessary skill to race and pass during a weekend. Maybe someone should give him a chance, but i think his time has well and truly passed.

Perennial testers like Luca Badoer, Alex Wurz and PDLR? They all ended up with drives, and look how they ended up.

Or maybe not.

[Wizzie]

Once you think about it though, some of the midfield teams could do a lot worse than to give the guy a chance at a full-time gig.

Maybe. But perennial test-drivers are totally different to racers. Whilst I don't doubt his technical ability with engineers about feedback and setting a car up, I'd seriously doubt he'd have the necessary skill to race and pass during a weekend. Maybe someone should give him a chance, but i think his time has well and truly passed.

Perennial testers like Luca Badoer, Alex Wurz and PDLR? They all ended up with drives, and look how they ended up.

Or maybe not.

Badoer was arguably hamstruck by a Ferrari that was as hard to drive as this year's edition. Wurz on the other hand...

[AdrianSutil]

well, two of those three have podium's to their name.

But of those three, how many years of formula 1 testing did they do before thier first season? Badoer maybe one, Wurz maybe two. PDLR I think was at Jordan in 98. Paffett has been involved with McLaren for god knows how long. 2003?!

[dr-baker]

well, two of those three have podium's to their name.

But of those three, how many years of formula 1 testing did they do before thier first season? Badoer maybe one, Wurz maybe two. PDLR I think was at Jordan in 98. Paffett has been involved with McLaren for god knows how long. 2003?!

I was thinking of their returns after being test drivers - Luca Badoer at Ferrari, Wurz and PDLR at McLaren. PDLR has now ended up at HRT, while Wurz did not have the greatest of seasons at Williams but has done well in sportscars.

[AdrianSutil]

well, two of those three have podium's to their name.

But of those three, how many years of formula 1 testing did they do before thier first season? Badoer maybe one, Wurz maybe two. PDLR I think was at Jordan in 98. Paffett has been involved with McLaren for god knows how long. 2003?!

I was thinking of their returns after being test drivers - Luca Badoer at Ferrari, Wurz and PDLR at McLaren. PDLR has now ended up at HRT, while Wurz did not have the greatest of seasons at Williams but has done well in sportscars.

Oh yeah, I know where you were coming from. I was just highlighting their entire career within the sport. Don't get me wrong, I'd actually LIKE to see Paffett race oneday, but the longer you remain as a dependable test-driver, the harder if is for teams to take you up. Look at Anthony Davidson at the beginning of the naughties: two races for Minardi which only came about because Yoong was having a 'crisis', a single race in 2005 (I think) for BAR because Sato was unwell (and promptly qualified somewhere like 17th before retiring on lap 2) and then finally, a proper full-season drive with Super Aguri. Which wasn't the best as he was totally out-classed by crash-happy Sato.

It just goes to show, that for most of them, being a committed test-driver doesn't give you the necessary credentials to be a race-driver, even if you get a chance.

Maybe I'm being a bit daft, and if someone knows of anyone recently who has spent several years testing before making a succesful career as a racer, please correct me. But the future doesn't look good for ol' Gary if he wants to race. I just hope Sam Bird doesn't go down the same route.

[Backmarker]

If Paffett wins the Euromillions he could always buy himself a race seat. I'm sure there are worse drivers on the grid.

[mario]

well, two of those three have podium's to their name.

But of those three, how many years of formula 1 testing did they do before thier first season? Badoer maybe one, Wurz maybe two. PDLR I think was at Jordan in 98. Paffett has been involved with McLaren for god knows how long. 2003?!

He started with McLaren in 2006 (the contract was signed at the end of the 2005 season), so he hasn't been there quite that long.

He has tried to get a race seat in the past - at one point he was linked to Prodrive's abortive attempt to join the sport with a customer McLaren - but with testing increasingly limited, it's been harder and harder for him to make a name for himself, particularly since he is probably better known for his DTM activities than F1. With younger - and wealthier - drivers coming up through the ranks, his best chance of getting on the grid would probably be via Marussia, given the links between them and McLaren, but even that would be a long shot.

[Wizzie]

well, two of those three have podium's to their name.

But of those three, how many years of formula 1 testing did they do before thier first season? Badoer maybe one, Wurz maybe two. PDLR I think was at Jordan in 98. Paffett has been involved with McLaren for god knows how long. 2003?!

He started with McLaren in 2006 (the contract was signed at the end of the 2005 season), so he hasn't been there quite that long.

He has tried to get a race seat in the past - at one point he was linked to Prodrive's abortive attempt to join the sport with a customer McLaren - but with testing increasingly limited, it's been harder and harder for him to make a name for himself, particularly since he is probably better known for his DTM activities than F1. With younger - and wealthier - drivers coming up through the ranks, his best chance of getting on the grid would probably be via Marussia, given the links between them and McLaren, but even that would be a long shot.

At the rate they're going however, Paffett might actually be their best shot at making any progress with car development down at Marussia.

[DanielPT]

At the rate they're going however, Paffett might actually be their best shot at making any progress with car development down at Marussia.

It might be a good idea after all. Paffett always looked to be that solid guy who develops the car. If Glock gets tired of his situation (which I believe he already is and an opportunity comes begging his way), I can see Paffett moving there. I think the big teams like to have that solid, technical driver who is very loyal to work as a test driver.

[tristan1117]

At the rate they're going however, Paffett might actually be their best shot at making any progress with car development down at Marussia.

It might be a good idea after all. Paffett always looked to be that solid guy who develops the car. If Glock gets tired of his situation (which I believe he already is and an opportunity comes begging his way), I can see Paffett moving there. I think the big teams like to have that solid, technical driver who is very loyal to work as a test driver.

"Charming name, that Paffett". I've always wondered why he hasn't started an F1 race yet. He hasn't been linked to a drive since 2005 (when Montoya dislocated his shoulder), right?

[DanielPT]

At the rate they're going however, Paffett might actually be their best shot at making any progress with car development down at Marussia.

It might be a good idea after all. Paffett always looked to be that solid guy who develops the car. If Glock gets tired of his situation (which I believe he already is and an opportunity comes begging his way), I can see Paffett moving there. I think the big teams like to have that solid, technical driver who is very loyal to work as a test driver.

"Charming name, that Paffett". I've always wondered why he hasn't started an F1 race yet. He hasn't been linked to a drive since 2005 (when Montoya dislocated his shoulder), right?

He has. When linked with the Force India job in 2011 before Paul di Resta went there. And also to replace Fisichella when he went to Ferrari. I don't think it got serious though...

[Backmarker]

Just a thought - how would a change of date to the Young Driver Test affect that rejectful series, Formula Two? At the moment the series promises the champion a test with Williams at the Young Driver Test - if the date of the test is moved forwards to July then Formula Two won't be decided by then, so the champion won't get the test they're promised.

[tommykl]

It might be a good idea after all. Paffett always looked to be that solid guy who develops the car. If Glock gets tired of his situation (which I believe he already is and an opportunity comes begging his way), I can see Paffett moving there. I think the big teams like to have that solid, technical driver who is very loyal to work as a test driver.

"Charming name, that Paffett". I've always wondered why he hasn't started an F1 race yet. He hasn't been linked to a drive since 2005 (when Montoya dislocated his shoulder), right?

He has. When linked with the Force India job in 2011 before Paul di Resta went there. And also to replace Fisichella when he went to Ferrari. I don't think it got serious though...

I believe he was also linked to the drive Hamilton ended up getting in 2007.

[DanielPT]

"Charming name, that Paffett". I've always wondered why he hasn't started an F1 race yet. He hasn't been linked to a drive since 2005 (when Montoya dislocated his shoulder), right?

He has. When linked with the Force India job in 2011 before Paul di Resta went there. And also to replace Fisichella when he went to Ferrari. I don't think it got serious though...

I believe he was also linked to the drive Hamilton ended up getting in 2007.

I wasn't sure of that but given Force India technical ties with McLaren it is perfectly logical that when they are locking for a new driver the name of Gary Paffett comes around mentioned...

[Backmarker]

I wasn't sure of that but given Force India technical ties with McLaren it is perfectly logical that when they are locking for a new driver the name of Gary Paffett comes around mentioned...

I think Bianchi is next in line for them at the moment.

[DanielPT]

I wasn't sure of that but given Force India technical ties with McLaren it is perfectly logical that when they are locking for a new driver the name of Gary Paffett comes around mentioned...

I think Bianchi is next in line for them at the moment.

I don't agree. Force India have been used to groom drivers for McLaren, at first, and now Mercedes with both their drivers potential replacements for Schumacher or Rosberg, if he continues to flop with this alarming frequency. I just think that it will be hard for Ferrari to put their drivers there. Might be easier at Caterham, Lotus and may HWNSNBM forgive me, Williams (I am supposing both Marussia and HRT are not that useful although it seemed to help in Ricciardo's case)...

Slightly off-topic, but have you guys noticed that the results both Vergne and Ricciardo are having look very much like the ones Buemi and Alguersuari used to have? This of course, with Toro Rosso being considered faster than Force India and Ferrari... I now it is still too early, but a pattern emerges.

[Backmarker]

I wasn't sure of that but given Force India technical ties with McLaren it is perfectly logical that when they are locking for a new driver the name of Gary Paffett comes around mentioned...

I think Bianchi is next in line for them at the moment.

I don't agree. Force India have been used to groom drivers for McLaren, at first, and now Mercedes with both their drivers potential replacements for Schumacher or Rosberg, if he continues to flop with this alarming frequency. I just think that it will be hard for Ferrari to put their drivers there. Might be easier at Caterham, Lotus and may HWNSNBM forgive me, Williams (I am supposing both Marussia and HRT are not that useful although it seemed to help in Ricciardo's case)...

Slightly off-topic, but have you guys noticed that the results both Vergne and Ricciardo are having look very much like the ones Buemi and Alguersuari used to have? This of course, with Toro Rosso being considered faster than Force India and Ferrari... I now it is still too early, but a pattern emerges.

I think that McLaren aren't realistically going to place Gary Paffett at Force India if they have the opportunity, they're presumably going to want someone who can step up to a race seat at McLaren, not someone who's going to develop Force India's car for them. If that's the case, then they'll chose to have Oliver Turvey, Kevin Magnussen, or in a couple of seasons Nyck de Vries. If it's Mercedes calling the shots, then I suppose it will be Sam Bird. But if it is the case that McLaren or Mercedes have some say in driver placement at Force India, then why aren't any of their drivers going to be getting regular testing at Force India this season instead of Bianchi? It looks to me like Ferrari and Force India want him to replace Hulkenberg or di Resta when one of them replaces Schumi.

[dr-baker]

Just a thought - how would a change of date to the Young Driver Test affect that rejectful series, Formula Two? At the moment the series promises the champion a test with Williams at the Young Driver Test - if the date of the test is moved forwards to July then Formula Two won't be decided by then, so the champion won't get the test they're promised.

I can only assume that it would be at the 2013 Young Driver Test. A bit inconvenient for the winner, not having the test during the off-season to show to any prospective employers for the following season, but what else could be done? A filming day?

[Backmarker]

Just a thought - how would a change of date to the Young Driver Test affect that rejectful series, Formula Two? At the moment the series promises the champion a test with Williams at the Young Driver Test - if the date of the test is moved forwards to July then Formula Two won't be decided by then, so the champion won't get the test they're promised.

I can only assume that it would be at the 2013 Young Driver Test. A bit inconvenient for the winner, not having the test during the off-season to show to any prospective employers for the following season, but what else could be done? A filming day?

I suppose they could also do a test with an old Williams, but that seems a bit mean seeing as that's exactly what the F2 chassis is.

[Wizzie]

Just a thought - how would a change of date to the Young Driver Test affect that rejectful series, Formula Two? At the moment the series promises the champion a test with Williams at the Young Driver Test - if the date of the test is moved forwards to July then Formula Two won't be decided by then, so the champion won't get the test they're promised.

I can only assume that it would be at the 2013 Young Driver Test. A bit inconvenient for the winner, not having the test during the off-season to show to any prospective employers for the following season, but what else could be done? A filming day?

I suppose they could also do a test with an old Williams, but that seems a bit mean seeing as that's exactly what the F2 chassis is.

Or, you know, they can run for a day during one of the off-season tests

[Wizzie]

Young Drivers Tests to be held in Silverstone and Abu Dhabi.

Teams can only participate in one or the other however.

[AdrianSutil]

Seriously considering about going to the Silverstone one.

[dr-baker]

Seriously considering about going to the Silverstone one.

It could be tempting...

[AndreaModa]

Seriously considering about going to the Silverstone one.

I'm all over it like butter on bread! I suspect the smaller British-based teams may opt to go to Silverstone as that would probably cut their costs down a little bit. I just hope the weather is good for it otherwise everyone will turn up, none of the cars will go out and they'll all bugger off to Abu Dhabi at the end of the year anyway!

[Faustus]

if spectators are allowed, I'm definitely there.

[eurobrun]

I wonder what rejectful pay drivers HRT will run.

[Faustus]

Interesting point, eurobrun. Is it too early for us to start speculating on who the teams might enter for the test? No doubt there will be some teams selling test days, as has happened at every Young Driver test but for the likes of McLaren and Red Bull it should be fairly straightforward?

[Wizzie]

With the amount of interest in this, you guys might as well set up an F1 Rejects meetup at the test

[Backmarker]

Interesting point, eurobrun. Is it too early for us to start speculating on who the teams might enter for the test? No doubt there will be some teams selling test days, as has happened at every Young Driver test but for the likes of McLaren and Red Bull it should be fairly straightforward?

McLaren - Gary Paffett
Red Bull - Lewis Williamson, maybe Carlos Sainz, Jr.
Ferrari - Jules Bianchi
Sauber - Esteban Gutiérrez
Mercedes - Sam Bird, Robert Wickens or Roberto Merhi (would rather see Wickens or Merhi, probably Bird though)
Toleman - James Calado?
Williams - Susie Wolff or Valtteri Bottas (hopefully Bottas)
Force India - Assuming that Ferrari are running Bianchi, whichever driver Mercedes don't take or Turvey
Toro Rosso - Carlos Sainz Jr., maybe Lewis Williamson
Marussia - María de Villota, Max Chilton or Rio Haryanto
Caterham - Giedo van der Garde (Alexander Rossi, but I think vdG's money will talk)
HRT - Dani Clos or Ma Qinghua

Of those I think Williamson, Bianchi, Gutiérrez, Wickens, Merhi, Calado, Bottas, vdG and Clos are realistic prospects to be driving in F1 next year, assuming seats become available. But there won't be enough seats.

[Klon]

Williams - Susie Wolff or Valtteri Bottas (hopefully Bottas)

Well, I guess they will have Wolff do it, since Bottas has Friday testing and is as good as confirmed for 2013.