F1 Madness

Tag: susie wolff

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

    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
  • Susie Wolff, Daniel Juncadella to join Maldonado for Williams at Young Driver Test

    Susie Wolff, Daniel Juncadella to join Maldonado for Williams at Young Driver Test

    Susie Wolff and Daniel Juncadella will join Williams driver Pastor Maldonado at the upcoming Young Driver Test at Silverstone.
    Susie Wolff has completed a number of straight line tests for Williams but this will be her first participation in an official test session. She is hoping to get a better understanding of the car which will help her in her development feedback at the factory simulator testing which she regularly participates in.
    “It’s a fantastic opportunity for me, so now it is up to me to prepare myself the best that I can for the day,” she said. “It’s going to be a big challenge but the most important thing is to do a solid and consistent job and to give good feedback to the team to be able to prove I am at the level to compete on a day such as this. Most of my work is based in the simulator which is why this day is so important for me. It will give me a better understanding of what the car is like on track and how that correlates to the simulator which will also help further develop the work I can do there.”
    Daniel Juncadella is currently racing in DTM and like any young driver is relishing the opportunity to test in a Formula One team.

    “It’s a great chance for me and I hope I can help the team next week,” he said. “It’s an important test for any young driver as there aren’t many opportunities to drive a Formula one car. I had my first taste of Formula One as a prize for winning the 2012 Formula 3 Euro Series title, but it was a 2009 car so I therefore see this as being the real deal, having the chance to drive a current car in a full test. I’ve spent a couple of days at the factory getting to know the team and I felt at home. Looking at the history of the team is also amazing and so to get this chance with Williams, a team so many great drivers have raced for, makes it even more special.”

    Now that current race drivers are also permitted to take part in the Young Driver Test, Pastor Maldonado will also get a day behind the wheel of the Williams taking part in tyre development tests for Pirelli.

    Photo: Williams F1 Team