Young driver test to move to Silverstone?

[Backmarker]

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.

Would have been nice if Bottas could have got a regular drive this season (e.g. in GP2 or WSR). Being a test driver means so little at the moment, he'd gain more from competition. He'll just have to pray for Maldonado to get a cold I suppose.

[Faustus]

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

Hell yeah! I'll be driving from Kent, so I can happily pick any one (reasonably) along the way who needs a lift.

[mario]

Backmarker, do you think that Oliver Turvey might be called up for McLaren at the Young Driver test, alongside Paffett? I wouldn't be totally surprised if that was the case, given that McLaren have announced that Turvey and Paffett will take the place of Hamilton and Button at the mid season test at Mugello. http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98950

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

Hell yeah! I'll be driving from Kent, so I can happily pick any one (reasonably) along the way who needs a lift.

The idea is starting to sound tempting at this rate - if there is a major gathering of F1Rejects supporters, surely there has to be somebody who can come up with a decent banner? A banner calling for de Villota to be given a seat, for example, would be appropriate in the circumstances...

[AdrianSutil]

So there's about 5-6 people thinking about going to this, we should consider all meeting up somewhere and going together.

[Backmarker]

Backmarker, do you think that Oliver Turvey might be called up for McLaren at the Young Driver test, alongside Paffett? I wouldn't be totally surprised if that was the case, given that McLaren have announced that Turvey and Paffett will take the place of Hamilton and Button at the mid season test at Mugello. http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98950

Sure - what I would say is that I think McLaren will be treating the test as an opportunity for in-season testing, rather than running young drivers, so they'll want the most experienced tester in the car. Thanks to the rules governing the young drivers test, Gary Paffett qualifies as a young driver, even though he would be about the 7th oldest driver on the grid if he actually got a seat in F1. But I think that teams are allowed to take two drivers, so McLaren will probably take Turvey as well. So with that in mind, here's my amended list:

McLaren - Gary Paffett and Oliver Turvey
Red Bull - Lewis Williamson
Ferrari - Jules Bianchi (but might not run so they can run the winner of F3 European Championship)
Sauber - Esteban Gutiérrez (and Fabio Leimer?)
Mercedes - Sam Bird (and Christian Vietoris/Robert Wickens/Roberto Merhi?)
Toleman - (James Calado?) (and Jan Charouz/Richie Stanaway?) (but might not run so they can run the winner of Formula Renault 3.5 at Abu Dhabi)
Williams - Valtteri Bottas and Susie Wolff (but might not run so they can run the winner of Formula Two)
Force India - (two from Christian Vietoris/Robert Wickens/Roberto Merhi?)
Toro Rosso - Carlos Sainz, Jr.
Marussia - Maria de Villota (and Max Chilton/Adrian Quaife-Hobbs?)
Caterham - Giedo van der Garde and Alexander Rossi
HRT - Dani Clos and Ma Qinghua (or someone else with a big wallet)

[dr-baker]

If both Maria de Villota and Susie Wolff are there, then try keeping me away!

[This]

If both Maria de Villota and Susie Wolff are there, then try keeping me away!

trying to convince Susie into a divorce, she gets away with Toto wolffs posessions, including his shares in Williams, while you convince your new wife to give them to you?

[dr-baker]

If both Maria de Villota and Susie Wolff are there, then try keeping me away!

trying to convince Susie into a divorce, she gets away with Toto wolffs posessions, including his shares in Williams, while you convince your new wife to give them to you?

Well, Williams were my favourite team of the 1990s, along with Simtek, Lola and Minardi...

[AndreaModa]

Definitely up for some sort of meet-up if this all goes ahead. I'll most likely be on my bike or I might scab a ride in my girlfriend's car if she fancies going too - she liked the BTCC at Donington!

I could probably knock together a banner of some sorts - bedsheet from Wilkinsons wouldn't be any more than a fiver plus a can of black spray for a few quid and we'd be away! What sort of message would we have on it though?

[Faustus]

Definitely up for some sort of meet-up if this all goes ahead. I'll most likely be on my bike or I might scab a ride in my girlfriend's car if she fancies going too - she liked the BTCC at Donington!

I could probably knock together a banner of some sorts - bedsheet from Wilkinsons wouldn't be any more than a fiver plus a can of black spray for a few quid and we'd be away! What sort of message would we have on it though?

Free Gachot!

[Backmarker]

Definitely up for some sort of meet-up if this all goes ahead. I'll most likely be on my bike or I might scab a ride in my girlfriend's car if she fancies going too - she liked the BTCC at Donington!

I could probably knock together a banner of some sorts - bedsheet from Wilkinsons wouldn't be any more than a fiver plus a can of black spray for a few quid and we'd be away! What sort of message would we have on it though?

Free Gachot!

That's a good deal - I'll take it!

[AdrianSutil]

Definitely up for some sort of meet-up if this all goes ahead. I'll most likely be on my bike or I might scab a ride in my girlfriend's car if she fancies going too - she liked the BTCC at Donington!

I could probably knock together a banner of some sorts - bedsheet from Wilkinsons wouldn't be any more than a fiver plus a can of black spray for a few quid and we'd be away! What sort of message would we have on it though?

Free Gachot!

HWNSNBM for President!

[dinizintheoven]

Definitely up for some sort of meet-up if this all goes ahead. I'll most likely be on my bike or I might scab a ride in my girlfriend's car if she fancies going too - she liked the BTCC at Donington!
I could probably knock together a banner of some sorts - bedsheet from Wilkinsons wouldn't be any more than a fiver plus a can of black spray for a few quid and we'd be away! What sort of message would we have on it though?

"We Are Formula One Rejects. We Are Everywhere. We Are Legion. We Never Forget. We Never Forgive. HAIL HWNSNBM!"

[Backmarker]

The Red Bull teams are going to do their young driver testing at Abu Dhabi: Autosport or it didn't happen. So we probably won't get to see Williamson and Sainz in action at Silverstone.

[DanielPT]

Definitely up for some sort of meet-up if this all goes ahead. I'll most likely be on my bike or I might scab a ride in my girlfriend's car if she fancies going too - she liked the BTCC at Donington!
I could probably knock together a banner of some sorts - bedsheet from Wilkinsons wouldn't be any more than a fiver plus a can of black spray for a few quid and we'd be away! What sort of message would we have on it though?

"We Are Formula One Rejects. We Are Everywhere. We Are Legion. We Never Forget. We Never Forgive. HAIL HWNSNBM!"

This. Or a banner saying "F1 Rejects: We care about 11th! And 16th! And 24th!"

[Shadaza]

"We believe in Charles Pic!"

[AndreaModa]

"We believe in Charles Pic!"

Shall I get my avatar printed onto a huge sheet of fabric?

[AdrianSutil]

"F1 Rejects: Because failing to qualify makes you a hero."

[mario]

Apologies for bringing this topic back up, but Boullier has pitched in today with heavy criticism of the decision to move the Young Driver test to Silverstone, saying that it is "absolute nonsense" to hold a test session during the season and hoping that it rains so he can pull out of the test.

Boullier's complaints are based on the fact that moving the test session to mid season causes additional disruption for the team and the drivers being tested (whereas a post season test would reduce the inconvenience), plus he is concerned that some teams might use the young driver test sessions as an opportunity to test new parts rather than look for new drivers (which is not surprising given that Boullier was also pushing for in season tests to be cancelled).

"It's a bit disappointing, to be honest," Boullier told AUTOSPORT. "I am a supporter of young drivers, and for me Abu Dhabi [in November] was the perfect scenario.

"The young kids finish the season, and you can organise this test in a hot, nice place, with nice variety. So I was actually a bit cross with the decision to bring it earlier to Silverstone. We had a strong discussion, let's say, and definitely I was against this, especially for the reasons raised. For me it is absolutely a nonsense to have a young driver test in July when all the young kids are in the middle of the season and focused on racing and the championship. We cannot disturb this. It is completely the wrong timing.

"You also have another issue: bringing this test in the middle of the season you have to consider there will be a different point of view for the team; and as a team it's another opportunity to develop the car and bring some parts to test."

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/99427

However, despite his criticism of the decision to move the test, given that it is cheaper to hold a test session at Silverstone he has (reluctantly, it seems) agreed to press on with Silverstone, despite having the option to test in Abu Dhabi (which Red Bull and Toro Rosso are doing).

In fact, Boullier has been rather dismissive of proposals for any form of in season testing, saying that he would have "liked to avoid" holding the recent test session at Mugello (an opinion shared with Red Bull, no doubt because neither team had much to test whilst rival teams, like Sauber and Ferrari, were testing new parts at Mugello). http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/99338

"We would have liked to avoid this one," he said. "When you are struggling it is different and I'm sure Ferrari is happy to have this test.

"In general we are not in favour of this. We would prefer to have had all the testing in February, like last year, but it depends on your position, I'm sure some teams will vote in favour because they need track time to develop their car faster, but the teams with good cars don't need it."

If we were in a situation like last year, when Renault were the team struggling for pace whilst their rivals were pressing on with developments, I bet he'd be singing a very different tune...

[DanielPT]

Apologies for bringing this topic back up, but Boullier has pitched in today with heavy criticism of the decision to move the Young Driver test to Silverstone, saying that it is "absolute nonsense" to hold a test session during the season and hoping that it rains so he can pull out of the test.

Boullier's complaints are based on the fact that moving the test session to mid season causes additional disruption for the team and the drivers being tested (whereas a post season test would reduce the inconvenience), plus he is concerned that some teams might use the young driver test sessions as an opportunity to test new parts rather than look for new drivers (which is not surprising given that Boullier was also pushing for in season tests to be cancelled).

"It's a bit disappointing, to be honest," Boullier told AUTOSPORT. "I am a supporter of young drivers, and for me Abu Dhabi [in November] was the perfect scenario.

"The young kids finish the season, and you can organise this test in a hot, nice place, with nice variety. So I was actually a bit cross with the decision to bring it earlier to Silverstone. We had a strong discussion, let's say, and definitely I was against this, especially for the reasons raised. For me it is absolutely a nonsense to have a young driver test in July when all the young kids are in the middle of the season and focused on racing and the championship. We cannot disturb this. It is completely the wrong timing.

"You also have another issue: bringing this test in the middle of the season you have to consider there will be a different point of view for the team; and as a team it's another opportunity to develop the car and bring some parts to test."

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/99427

However, despite his criticism of the decision to move the test, given that it is cheaper to hold a test session at Silverstone he has (reluctantly, it seems) agreed to press on with Silverstone, despite having the option to test in Abu Dhabi (which Red Bull and Toro Rosso are doing).

In fact, Boullier has been rather dismissive of proposals for any form of in season testing, saying that he would have "liked to avoid" holding the recent test session at Mugello (an opinion shared with Red Bull, no doubt because neither team had much to test whilst rival teams, like Sauber and Ferrari, were testing new parts at Mugello). http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/99338

"We would have liked to avoid this one," he said. "When you are struggling it is different and I'm sure Ferrari is happy to have this test.

"In general we are not in favour of this. We would prefer to have had all the testing in February, like last year, but it depends on your position, I'm sure some teams will vote in favour because they need track time to develop their car faster, but the teams with good cars don't need it."

If we were in a situation like last year, when Renault were the team struggling for pace whilst their rivals were pressing on with developments, I bet he'd be singing a very different tune...

I don't think he would change much his tune. After all, he got badly beaten in the development race last year even by other midfield teams whilst having no testing. Having in season testing might only worsen the lack of development pace that Toleman showed last year. I agree that is what Boullier is afraid of this year and even if he slipped behind like last year as it would exist a real possibility of slipping even further behind.

[Backmarker]

Toleman probably won't be running at Silverstone anyway, I think they have to run the winner of Formula Renault 3.5, so they'll have to hold off until Yas Marina. But I could be wrong.

[mario]

I don't think he would change much his tune. After all, he got badly beaten in the development race last year even by other midfield teams whilst having no testing. Having in season testing might only worsen the lack of development pace that Toleman showed last year. I agree that is what Boullier is afraid of this year and even if he slipped behind like last year as it would exist a real possibility of slipping even further behind.

Yes and no - whilst Boullier might have feared slipping behind his rivals, on the other hand Renault were desperate to test a different exhaust configuration given that their front existing exhausts were not performing as expected (the rear exiting exhausts that Heidfeld tested at the Hungarian GP during the Friday practise session). Renault used up their allocation of straight line testing to try to get to grips with such a system, but had to abandon the system in part because they couldn't afford to split their resources between the two exhaust solutions, and the lack of opportunities to test their system and iron out its flaws was cited as one reason why it was dropped.

[dr-baker]

Just out of interest, does anybody know yet whether we will need tickets for this event, or will it just be free entry to anybody that turns up?

[AndreaModa]

Just out of interest, does anybody know yet whether we will need tickets for this event, or will it just be free entry to anybody that turns up?

I was thinking the same thing yesterday. Just checked their website, there's nothing in their events section that mentions the test day. I suspect that even if they do charge for it, it won't be any more than £5-£10 though.

[dr-baker]

Just out of interest, does anybody know yet whether we will need tickets for this event, or will it just be free entry to anybody that turns up?

I was thinking the same thing yesterday. Just checked their website, there's nothing in their events section that mentions the test day. I suspect that even if they do charge for it, it won't be any more than £5-£10 though.

eah, I was looking at their website and saw nothing, which made me wonder. Certainly there seems enough interest here that I would have anticipated some mention on their website by now. Only a month or two to go!

[AdrianSutil]

Everyone still interested in a meet-up?

[Captain Hammer]

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.

Bottas is still elegible to take part, even if he has signed a contract to race in 2013 at the time s a "Young Driver" is defined as someone who has not actually started a race.

[dr-baker]

Everyone still interested in a meet-up?

Most certainly, in my case.

[Klon]

I am afraid such a meet-up will not happen since according to German source Auto Motor Sport the Silverstone test is to be canceled. According to them, Ecclestone has used a clause regarding track days with the excuse of having to remove TV equipment to stop the test from happening. With that move he responds to the owners of Abu Dhabi's circuit who were not pleased with the test in Silverstone happening. However, this move may backfire for both Abu Dhabi and Bernie Ecclestone since according to Ross Brawn the teams do not have to go to Abu Dhabi if Silverstone's young driver test does not happen and some teams (in the article named as Mercedes, Force India, Sauber and Marussia) are willing to let the second young driver test drop as well which would cancel it out completely since, as we know, all teams must agree to in-season testing.

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

Bottas is still elegible to take part, even if he has signed a contract to race in 2013 at the time s a "Young Driver" is defined as someone who has not actually started a race.

I am aware of that but Williams have said that Wolff is to receive track time and Bottas obviously has Friday practice so it would come across as the logical solution to use her in the young drivers test (if they happen) and just have Bottas do regular testing.

[dr-baker]

I am afraid such a meet-up will not happen since according to German source Auto Motor Sport the Silverstone test is to be canceled. According to them, Ecclestone has used a clause regarding track days with the excuse of having to remove TV equipment to stop the test from happening. With that move he responds to the owners of Abu Dhabi's circuit who were not pleased with the test in Silverstone happening. However, this move may backfire for both Abu Dhabi and Bernie Ecclestone since according to Ross Brawn the teams do not have to go to Abu Dhabi if Silverstone's young driver test does not happen and some teams (in the article named as Mercedes, Force India, Sauber and Marussia) are willing to let the second young driver test drop as well which would cancel it out completely since, as we know, all teams must agree to in-season testing.

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

Bottas is still elegible to take part, even if he has signed a contract to race in 2013 at the time s a "Young Driver" is defined as someone who has not actually started a race.

I am aware of that but Williams have said that Wolff is to receive track time and Bottas obviously has Friday practice so it would come across as the logical solution to use her in the young drivers test (if they happen) and just have Bottas do regular testing.

I will be mightily disappointed if the Silverstone test does not happen, particularly if it means Susie Wolff ends up not driving! In the summer in which I celebrate a significant birthday, this would be another disappointment on top of not getting any tickets for the Olympics in the city of both of the universities I have attended.

[dr-baker]

The test isn't definitely over... yet.

[AdrianSutil]

The test isn't definitely over... yet.

So the three teams that won't be at Silverstone, if it goes ahead, are McLaren, Red Bull and Toro Rosso.

Fine by me. I don't particulary want to see the Red Bull and Toro Rosso's 'I'm in the Red Bull programme which means I'll be dumped after a year" young drivers. Or Gary "Ill always test" Paffett.

[dr-baker]

The story develops. Three teams over two days. Marussia, HRT and Williams. Thursday and Friday following the Grand Prix, with Wednesday still being considered. I still plan on going.

[AndreaModa]

The story develops. Three teams over two days. Marussia, HRT and Williams. Thursday and Friday following the Grand Prix, with Wednesday still being considered. I still plan on going.

So do I, if I'm not preoccupied with temping. No promises though, I'll have to see what my commitments are closer to the event.

[dr-baker]

The story develops. Three teams over two days. Marussia, HRT and Williams. Thursday and Friday following the Grand Prix, with Wednesday still being considered. I still plan on going.

So do I, if I'm not preoccupied with temping. No promises though, I'll have to see what my commitments are closer to the event.

I can't believe that the test is only a couple of weeks away and the plans are still all up in the air. And no mention of being able to obtain tickets via the Silverstone website either.

[cbbcisace]

If the test does go ahead HRT will give Ma the 3 full days, to get sponsorship money off his Chinese Sponsors

[JeremyMcClean]

Ouch, only three teams??? I'd take on the opportunity if only to get another mid-season test, but it looks as if it's going to be called off... I mean, how does one run a test with only 6-9 cars??? (assuming every team runs three drivers in the test)

[AndreaModa]

Ouch, only three teams??? I'd take on the opportunity if only to get another mid-season test, but it looks as if it's going to be called off... I mean, how does one run a test with only 6-9 cars??? (assuming every team runs three drivers in the test)

I'm not quite sure what you mean because prior to the testing ban, teams would often test mostly on their own whenever it suited them during the season.

[JeremyMcClean]

Ouch, only three teams??? I'd take on the opportunity if only to get another mid-season test, but it looks as if it's going to be called off... I mean, how does one run a test with only 6-9 cars??? (assuming every team runs three drivers in the test)

I'm not quite sure what you mean because prior to the testing ban, teams would often test mostly on their own whenever it suited them during the season.

True, but the current rules say no testing unless in mass-organised sessions... well is this mass-planned or not?

[Wizzie]

I'm genuinely surprised that Force India's not taking the chance to test at Silverstone. Especially when you consider that the track is literally just down the road from their base.