Seven FIA Formula 2 drivers to join F1 test
Seven FIA Formula 2 drivers have been announced to join the upcoming Formula 1 test, which is set to follow this weekend’s races at the Hungaroring in Budapest on 1-2 August, with drivers sharing responsibilities with a variety of F1 drivers for the 2 day test.
Championship leader Charles Leclerc recently announced his attendance via Twitter, noting that he was “very happy to announce that I’ll be driving 1 day for @scuderiaferrari during the F1 tests after the Hungaroring GP. Busy week ahead! Round 07 this weekend and F1 test just after it!” He is expected to share a car with test driver Antonio Giovinazzi as well as one of the race drivers, Sebastien Vettel or Kimi Raikkonen.
Silverstone sprint race winner Nicholas Latifi will drive for Renault on Tuesday, noting “I am extremely honoured to get this opportunity, and I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the R.S.17. As Test Driver for the team I’ve completed a number of different aspects of my programme so far, but this is really something special. I’m looking forward to working with the team and Pirelli to deliver everything they require from the day.”
Cyril Abiteboul, Managing Director of Renault Sport Racing, confirmed “this is an exciting next step for Nicholas. He will drive our current generation Formula 1 car: this will offer invaluable experience to him, and is a crucial element to preparing Nicholas for other opportunities in the future. The test programme he will run for Pirelli relates to development for 2018 tyres so it’s an important duty he has too. We look forward to seeing Nicholas out in action on Wednesday.”
Luca Ghiotto, fresh from his P2 in Silverstone, will make his Formula 1 debut with Williams, sharing the car over the 2 days with Felipe Massa. The Italian was delighted, stating “a big thanks to Williams for this opportunity. I think the first F1 test for any driver is a special moment, and to do it with such an historic team is even better, so I’m really excited. Of course, I also need to focus on the F2 weekend beforehand, but I’m really looking forward to the test, and I really hope it goes well.”
“Our team has a strong track record for developing young talent, and we always enjoy seeing young drivers getting opportunities to demonstrate their ability,” noted Claire Williams, deputy team principal. “I look forward to seeing how he performs in the car next month.”
Sauber have confirmed that they will test two Formula 2 drivers, with Gustav Malja being announced previously and Nobuharu Matsushita now joining his rival at the team, with the Swede to drive on Monday and the Japanese ace on Tuesday. Malja noted “the prospect of driving a Formula 1 car is exceptionally thrilling, and a childhood dream come true. I can’t wait to experience that sensation; I’m sure it will be a very surreal moment. I will do everything in my power to make the most of the test day and learn as much as I possibly can. Wholehearted thanks to the Sauber F1 Team for giving me this fantastic opportunity.”
Matsushita was similarly delighted, stating “when I was four years old I was fascinated by Michael Schumacher, watching him racing in Formula 1, and since then my dream was to become a Formula 1 driver. I am very excited about my first Formula 1 test, and I am really looking forward to driving the Sauber C36-Ferrari at the Hungaroring – it is a great opportunity for me. I hope it will be a productive day for the team as well as for myself, so that I can learn as much as possible. I would like to thank the Sauber F1 Team for making this happen.”
Frederic Vasseur, co-founder of ART and newly installed Sauber team principal, commented: “I am pleased that Nobuharu has this great opportunity. He deserves the experience of his first test in a Formula 1 car. Ever since his debut in Formula 2 with ART Grand Prix I have been following his progress closely, and have watched him advance his performance from year to year. With this Formula 1 test, he comes one step closer to his dream of becoming an F1 driver one day.”
Sean Gelael will make his second test with Toro Rosso in Budapest, having previously announced his involvement here. And finally Santino Ferrucci, who moved up to Formula 2 from the GP3 Series ahead Round 7 in Budapest, will also join the test as a continuation of his development driver role with Haas F1, running on both days.
Source : GP2.com
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