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Everything you need to know about the Young Driver’s Test

Formula 1’s annual Young Driver’s Test starts tomorrow on the Silverstone race track.

However, this year’s three day test session has a bit of a twist to it. As a result of the tyre troubles at Silverstone grand prix the test has been transformed into an emergency tyre test for the Italian manufacturer to regain its footing in the sport.

Teams won’t have free reign to do as the please throughout the three days though. Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, has clearly stipulated what can and cannot be done.

  1. The FIA will send its own observer to the test session to ensure that no current race driver complete any development work for their respective teams.
  2. The current race drivers may complete one full day of work on the emergency tyre testing program.
  3. The ‘young driver’ will be permitted to carry out development work on their team cars.

Mercedes will sit out the three day test session as the Brackley based team serves a ban imposed on them for conducting a tyre test after the Spanish grand prix.  Lewis Hamilton has voiced his concern on the dangers of Mercedes not being allowed to test the new tyres before their introduction at the Hungarian grand prix.

“I don’t know if people fully appreciate how big a negative it is for us not to do the test.We are going to go to Hungary when other people have gone and tested (the new tyres with) different ride-heights, different pressures, got their car ready for a long run so they arrive ready.We don’t have any of that information so when we get there we’re going to go into it blind.We shouldn’t be in this position in sport, but that’s the way it is,” said Hamilton.

But it seems the Brit’s fears will be assuaged as Pirelli motorsport director, Paul Hemberey, announced that Mercedes will recieve data on findings about the new tyres.

The Young Driver’s Test was institued with the aim of showcasing up-and-coming talents that could, potentially, be the future of Formula 1.Several current drivers will be present at the test but in amongst will be some eager drivers keen to make their mark.

Team

Wednesday 17th

Thursday 18th

Friday 19th

Red Bull

Antonio Felix da Costa

Daniel Ricciardo

Antonio Felix da Costa

Daniel Ricciardo

Carlos Sainz Jnr

Sebastian Vettel

Ferrari

Davide Rigon

Davide Rigon

Felipe Massa

Davide Rigon

McLaren

Kevin Magnussen

Oliver Turvey

Gary Paffett

Lotus

Nicolas Prost

Davide Valsecchi

Nicolas Prost

Mercedes

Banned

Sauber

Robin Frijns

Robin Frijns

Nico Hulkenberg

Kimiya Sato

Force India

James Calado

Paul di Resta

Adrian Sutil

Williams

Daniel Juncadella

Pastor Maldonado

Susie Wolff

Toro Rosso

Johnny Cecotto Jnr

Carlos Sainz Jnr

Jean-Eric Vergne

Daniil Kvyat

Caterham

Alexander Rossi

Will Stevens

Charles Pic

Giedo van der Garde

Marussia

Tio Ellinas

Max Chilton

Rodolfo Gonzalez

Rodolfo Gonzalez

Jules Bianchi

About Natalie Le Clue

Natalie Le Clue is an F1 aficionado of the most dedicated vein. And, true to form for any F1-enamoured junkie, she readily admits to crying the first time she saw a F1 car, calling it an ‘overwhelming moment’. Natalie has won the 2010 gSport Woman In Media award, the 2015 Woman In Media Print award, and has been named as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in South African Sport by the Department of Sport and Recreation. Natalie is currently serving as SAfm's F1 correspondent. Follow Natalie on Twitter @nlc27

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