|
Post by Anna on Nov 14, 2011 17:16:34 GMT
Nope its not just him, he will be testing all three days but Michael Lewis will be in the Ferrari tomorrow apparently.
|
|
|
Post by Anna on Nov 14, 2011 17:19:09 GMT
Third driver for Team Lotus too
Team Lotus: Gonzalez added to Young Driver Test
Gonzalez will drive on the 15th, Razia on the 16th and Rossi on the 17th
Monday 14 November 2011 - 08h41, by Olivier Ferret Team Lotus has confirmed that Rodolfo Gonzalez will be joining Alexander Rossi and Luiz Razia for the Abu Dhabi young driver test at the Yas Marina Circuit, 15th - 17th November 2011.
Gonzalez will drive on the 15th, Razia on the 16th and Rossi on the 17th.
Riad Asmat, Team Lotus Group CEO: "We worked with Rodolfo last year at the same test (photo) and he performed well for us in the step up to F1. With Rodolfo, Alexander and Luiz we have three talented up and coming drivers who will be keen to learn as much as possible, as well as show us they have the pace and temperament to succeed in Formula One."
Rodolfo Gonzalez: "I am really pleased to be back with Team Lotus again in Abu Dhabi. Last year I learned a lot in the time I had with the team, and another year on I am sure I can keep developing on and off track with this opportunity."
|
|
|
Post by Anna on Nov 14, 2011 18:39:07 GMT
@willbuxton Will Buxton In the Young Driver F1 test, of the 21 drivers taking part, 19 have either GP2 or GP3 race experience. Only Paffett and Vergne do not. 1 minute ago via web
|
|
|
Post by Anna on Nov 14, 2011 19:16:10 GMT
@willbuxton Will Buxton So of the 21 drivers in the F1 Young Driver Test, only the Young Paffett hasn't raced GP3 or GP2. Vergne raced GP3 in 2010. 2 minutes ago via web
|
|
|
Post by Anna on Nov 15, 2011 9:03:33 GMT
@insideferrari Scuderia Ferrari First half of the day completed by Scuderia Ferrari. 34 laps for Jules, who set a best time of 1.42.634 in his only run done properly. 20 minutes ago
Scuderia Ferrari
In the rest of the days Jules managed to complete a very important job for the team, collecting valuable aerodynamic data which now will be investigated by the engineers.
|
|
|
Post by Anna on Nov 15, 2011 9:04:05 GMT
Full line up and apparently against all beliefs Jules IS the only Ferrari driver . Several up and coming drivers will be strutting their stuff at the 2011 Young Driver test in Abu Dhabi this week. The test takes place at the Yas Marina Circuit from Tuesday November 15 and runs until Thursday the 17th. All drivers who take part must have two or less grand prix starts to their name. Line-up: Red Bull Tuesday: Jean-Eric Vergne (21) - France Wednesday: Jean-Eric Vergne - France Thursday: Jean-Eric Vergne - France McLaren Gary Paffett (30) - Great Britain and Oliver Turvey (24) Great Britain (Running order to be confirmed) Ferrari Tuesday - Thursday: Jules Bianchi (22) - France Mercedes GP Tuesday - Wednesday: Sam Bird (24) - Great Britain Thursday: To be confirmed Renault Tuesday: Robert Wickens (22) Canada Wednesday: Kevin Korjus(18) - Estonia Thursday: Jan Charouz (24) - Czech Republic Williams Tuesday: Valtteri Bottas (22) - Finland Wednesday: Valtteri Bottas (22) - Finland Thursday: Mirko Bortolotti (21) - Italy Force India Tuesday: Max Chilton (20) - Great Britain Wednesday: Johnny Cecotto Jr. (22) - Venezuela Thursday: Max Chilton Sauber Esteban Gutierrez (20) - Mexico and Fabio Leimer (22) Switzerland (Running order to be confirmed) Toro Rosso Tuesday: Stefano Coletti (22) - Monaco Wednesday: Kevin Ceccon (18) - Italy Thursday AM: Stefano Coletti Thursday PM: Kevin Ceccon Team Lotus Tuesday: Rodolfo Gonzalez (25) - Venezuela Wednesday: Luiz Razia (22) - Brazil Thursday: Alexander Rossi (20) - United States Virgin Tuesday AM: Adrian Quaife-Hobbs (20) - Great Britain Tuesday PM: Charles Pic (21) - France Wednesday: Charles Pic Thursday: Robert Wickens (22) - Canada HRT Dani Clos (23) - Spain (Running order to be confirmed)
|
|
|
Post by Anna on Nov 15, 2011 14:03:05 GMT
1. Jean-Eric Vergne Red Bull 01:40.011 82 2. Jules Bianchi Ferrari 01:40.960 85 3. Robert Wickens Lotus Renault 01:42.217 77 4. Fabio Leimer Sauber 01:42.331 67 5. Gary Paffett McLaren 01:42.912 41 6. Max Chilton Force India F1 01:43.016 80 7. Valtteri Bottas Williams 01:43.118 71 8. Oliver Turvey McLaren 01:43.502 35 9. Sam Bird Mercedes Grand Prix 01:43.548 52 10. Rodolfo Gonzalez Caterham 01:44.022 87 11. Stefano Coletti Scuderia Toro Rosso 01:45.278 87 12. Dani Clos HRT F1 Team 01:45.329 68 13. Charles Pic Marussia 01:46.930 30 14. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs Marussia 01:47.292 32
|
|
Lucius
Rookie
[ss:Black & White]
Posts: 83
|
Post by Lucius on Nov 15, 2011 15:09:04 GMT
So the youngest driver is 18 and the oldest 30. Nice range ;D .
I'm guessing quite a few of them are just doing a lot of aero work etc specially the actual test drivers like Bird, Bianchi and Paffett.
Nice to see some names we're not used to seeing, got to get used to team Caterham and team Marussia.
|
|
Lucius
Rookie
[ss:Black & White]
Posts: 83
|
Post by Lucius on Nov 15, 2011 15:44:51 GMT
Young driver test: team reaction after Day 1
Team quotes
Tuesday 15 November 2011 - 16h05, by Olivier Ferret NB: This page will be constantly updated throughout the day
Sauber Ferrari
Giampaolo Dall¡¯Ara, Head of Track Engineering: ¡°We covered a good mileage today and completed the programme with Fabio as planned. We had no major problems except the radio communication didn¡¯t always work as it should have, which sometimes made it a bit difficult for Fabio. The morning session was about him getting familiar with the car and doing some aero testing. Later we did some set-up and evaluation work. Fabio had four sets of soft and one set of super soft tyres available. He handled the programme well, gave good feedback and left a good impression with the team. We wish him a great 2012 GP2 season!¡±
Fabio Leimer: ¡°To me it was good day. I was able to improve from the morning to the afternoon, and I learnt a lot for my future. I wasn¡¯t only impressed by the power of the car, as actually I didn¡¯t expect it to be so nice to drive. It is so stable and smooth when riding the kerbs compared to a GP2 car. I was a bit worried about my neck before the test, but this wasn¡¯t an issue. What I could feel in the end was that the concentration needed during the entire day was quite intense. Obviously I had to learn a lot about procedures and switches. All in all, I¡¯m happy with what the team and I have done today - it was a great day, full of new experiences.¡±
Toro Rosso Ferrari
Today was the first of three days of testing referred to as the Young Driver Test, at the venue which hosted Sunday¡¯s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Clearly, with no on-track testing until February once this session is over, for Scuderia Toro Rosso and all the other teams taking part, the test is also a very important chance to assess various elements aimed at the 2012 season. Sitting in the cockpit of our TR6 today was Stefano Coletti.
Laurent Mekies (Chief Engineer): ¡°We had a very busy morning, in which we concentrated on acquiring aero measurement data, trying various ideas that might be useful for next year¡¯s car. In the afternoon, we carried out a very comprehensive evaluation of the tyres Pirelli plans to use for next year. Stefano did a good job of trying the different specifications and comparing them to the current baseline we have from this year¡¯s rubber. Overall, it was a good day¡¯s work and Stefano tackled the task in a serious manner, delivering us with a trouble free performance that meant we completed plenty of laps, which is exactly what we wanted with a view to next year.¡±
Stefano Coletti: ¡°This has been a very exciting day for me, as I finally got to drive a Formula 1 car for the first time. I found it an amazing experience, from the speed, the huge amount of downforce and the way the engine power pushes you along. Nothing I have driven so far in my career has come close to the feeling I got driving a Formula 1 car. At first, I found it hard to adapt to the feel of the power steering through the wheel, especially in the high speed corners, but once I got used to it, I could start to enjoy the experience even more. It was interesting testing the new tyres and it meant I was fortunate to run with several new sets, which is not normally the case.¡±
Marussia Virgin Racing Cosworth
It was a busy opening day of running in Abu Dhabi today as the Young Driver Test at Yas Marina Circuit began in earnest for Marussia Virgin Racing.
It was never going to be anything other than another hot and sunny day, with a starting ambient of 25¢ªC and a track temperature of 35¢ªC greeting the arrival of the ¡®Young Guns¡¯ this morning. The team ran two drivers on Day 1 - Marussia Manor Racing GP3¡¯s Adrian Quaife-Hobbs in the morning and Charles Pic this afternoon - as part of its three-day test programme.
More than just an appraisal of outright pace, the team had prepared a detailed evaluation programme designed to examine every aspect of a driver¡¯s all-round potential, also including decision-making, quality of feedback and an appreciation of engineering procedure.
The programme also facilitated the testing of 2012 developments, including gearbox and engine installation parts.
Charles Pic is back in the car tomorrow.
Adrian Quaife-Hobbs: I have to start by saying a very big ¡®thank you¡¯ to Marussia Virgin Racing for this fantastic opportunity today. It¡¯s been a great experience and I¡¯ve learned a lot. This morning I began with some CSL (constant speed limiter) runs on the straights so the team could conduct some aero measurement work and then I got into the programme properly. I ran two sets of new tyres and just began chipping away as I learned more about the car and how it reacts. Overall I¡¯m pleased with the day and it¡¯s been a huge experience for me.¡±
Charles Pic: ¡°Today I had my first run in an F1 car, so it was a very special day but with a lot of new things to learn. The high speed corners and braking were things I had to adjust to, but I felt my acclimatisation went well. I¡¯m very happy with this first step. At the end, we decided that some changes we need to make would take some time, so it was better to wait until tomorrow and save a set of tyres. Wednesday will be a big day for me as there is a plan to do a lot of tyre testing, so it is an opportunity I am really looking forward to as I will be able to learn all the types of tyre and see how they react. I am really enjoying working with the team. They have been very welcoming and helpful, so I am happy with my first day of testing.¡±
John Booth, Team Principal: ¡°An interesting day throughout the pitlane with a lot of new talent running. Both Adrian and Charles followed a very similar programme, which was designed to ease them into circuit running in an F1 car. We¡¯re very happy with how both of them have performed today. Both used the Soft Pirelli tyre, with Adrian perhaps slightly disadvantaged by the track temperature and Charles by only using one new set. We specifically chose to use the same tyre compounds as used by the race drivers last weekend to give the drivers a better reference, rather than using the Supersoft compound which has clearly been shown to be the quicker tyre over one lap today. All in all, a good job from both drivers.¡±
Red Bull Racing Renault
Just two days after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing was back in action today at the Yas Marina Circuit for the 2011 Young Driver Test. Red Bull Junior driver Jean-Eric Vergne was at the wheel of an RB7 for day one of the three-day test.
Air and track temperatures were hotter than during the grand prix, hitting 32¢ªC and 45¢ªC respectively, as testing takes place during the day, rather than in the afternoon and evening. As soon as Jean-Eric was up to speed with the RB7, the team concentrated on some aerodynamic testing for 2012, before beginning a tyre test for Pirelli in the afternoon to evaluate some prototypes for 2012.
Jean-Eric Vergne: ¡°That was a fantastic day for me. Driving the World Championship-winning car is just great and I liked every lap I did out there. Knowing there are two more days still to do, just makes me smile more. It¡¯s a great opportunity from Red Bull Racing; I¡¯m trying to learn as much as possible and get as much as possible out of it.¡±
Jean-Eric will be driving again tomorrow for day two.
HRT F1 Cosworth
Just two days after taking part in the last GP2 race of the season, Dani Clos got behind the wheel of HRT F1 Team¡¯s car number 22. Without a second to lose, the 23 year old driver from Barcelona got out on track as soon as the session began and made the most of the two timed sessions completing 68 laps, a total of 377.67 kilometres, with a best time of 1¡¯45.329. The scheduled programme consisted of testing aerodynamics and medium, soft and supersoft tyres in the morning, and trying out different rear suspension adjustments and more tyre testing in the afternoon.
Dani Clos: "I¡¯m very happy with how the test went today. The first thing I had to do was adapt to the car as it¡¯s been three years since I last drove a Formula 1 car and the leap from GP2 is quite notable. In the morning we carried out various aero tests and I think we extracted a lot of information that will be useful for the team. We also tested the three compound tyres which helped me to see the different performance and behavior of each one in order to adapt my style to the conditions. In the afternoon we carried out some different tests with the rear end and also with the different tyres to try and extract as much data as possible. The planning was good as was the understanding with the team. We could reach a good level of performance with the car and I think that the team was satisfied with me both on and off the track and I¡¯m confident that we have set some solid bases for the future. It has been a great experience, not only dr iving an F1 car but doing it for a Spanish team is something fantastic".
Xavier Marcos, Race engineer: "The planning for today¡¯s testing was quite extensive so we started to work early on. In the morning, the first thing was for the driver to get comfortable and he only took a couple of stints to do so. Then we started with aero adjustments and tyre testing and focused on improving the car¡¯s traction in the afternoon. We always did short stints and tested out various aspects which gave us a lot of data which can be put in to use for next year¡¯s car. Communication with the driver was fluid and, although we still have to go through the data, the work we have done has been positive".
Force India Mercedes
Sahara Force India was back in action today to kick off the first of three days of young driver testing at the Yas Marina circuit. On driving duty was 20-year-old Briton, Max Chilton, who completed a total of 81 laps in the VJM04, setting a best time of 1:43.016, the sixth fastest of the day.
The focus of the day was acclimatisation work for Max who was driving the car for the first time on a Grand Prix circuit. The 2012 Pirelli development tyres were also used for a number of runs, while the team focussed on general data collection having added additional sensors to the car.
Tomorrow, Johnny Cecotto Jr will get his first experience of a Formula One car before Max takes over for the final day of running on Thursday.
Max Chilton: ¡°I had been looking forward to this moment all my life and it definitely exceeded my expectations. The performance of the car is just amazing, especially the downforce and traction, which are mind-blowing. The design of these cars is incredible and it¡¯s left me wanting much more. It¡¯s scary how quick you can go through the high-speed corners, but the car is really well balanced and it feels very calm. The morning session flew by really quickly while I was getting used to the car and the systems, but in the afternoon things settled down and we managed to do some good testing. Working with such a big crew was also a new experience for me and it makes life so easy because there¡¯s a person for every job and you can change things really quickly. I want to say thanks to the guys for a great day and I can¡¯t wait to jump back in the car on Thursday.¡±
Oliver Knighton, Race Support and Strategy Engineer: ¡°A positive first day of testing and I¡¯m very pleased with the way Max integrated himself with the team. There were no mistakes, he was very consistent and he quickly got the hang of the control systems. The morning was spent acclimatising Max to the car and we also ran several test sensors to gather some more data with a view to Brazil next week and for 2012. In the afternoon we ran through a 2012 tyre programme, which has given us some interesting information for the rest of the week. We had a KERS issue in the afternoon, which took the edge off Max¡¯s final lap time, but it was still a very good day.¡±
Williams Cosworth
Tom McCullough, Race Enginner: Valtteri had his first day properly driving the car after previously doing straightline testing with the team. He got straight into it and did a really good job, enabling us to get through quite a long test programme and get all the data we needed. It was a really good job from his side with the consistency and good technical feedback. We lost a bit of time over lunch with a gearbox issue which the team are currently investigating, but overall it was a very productive day evaluating parts for next year¡¯s car.
Valtreri Bottas: I really enjoyed my first time driving the car on a proper track today. It didn¡¯t take too long to get used to the car but there were still a few new things for me. There is much more downforce and power than the cars I am used to driving, but I really liked it and I think the day went well. It is physically very demanding, but I¡¯ve been doing a lot of training for this and although it is hard in these hot conditions, I could still focus 100% on the driving side. I was able to help the team make some progress with some interesting tests for next year. I¡¯m definitely looking forward to getting back in the car tomorrow as I have more to learn and I know I can do better.
AT&T Williams will be back on track tomorrow, Wednesday 16 November, with Valtteri Bottas continuing to drive the FW33 for the second day of the test.
Ferrari
This morning, Abu Dhabi¡¯s Yas Marina circuit was the venue for a test session which, for a few years now, the Formula 1 teams have carried out using young drivers. Driving on all three days for Scuderia Ferrari is Frenchman, Jules Bianchi.
Today¡¯s programme was focussed on two main elements: the first aimed at taking aerodynamic measurements, which also involved the use of devices fitted specifically for this task, while the second looked at finding the set-up on the car which best suited Jules¡¯ driving style.
By the end of the day, Bianchi completed a total of 85 laps, the fastest in a time of 1.40.960.
Jules Bianchi: ¡°It¡¯s great to be back at the wheel of a Ferrari on a real track. I¡¯ve already driven this car for some aerodynamic testing, but doing it at a real test is a whole different story. Now, I am looking forward to a further two days of testing and we hope to carry on as we have started, with a lot of kilometres completed and trouble free running.¡±
Testing at this circuit continues tomorrow, again with the French driver on track for the Scuderia
Mercedes GP
Two days after the 2011 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Formula One¡¯s Young Driver Test began at the Yas Marina Circuit this morning.
GP2 driver Sam Bird is driving for MERCEDES GP PETRONAS at the test and had the first of his three days in the car today.
The team ran 2011 Pirelli tyres throughout the day whilst working on some development items for 2012 A transmission issue cost some running time in the morning, however the lost time was recovered in the afternoon session Having used the team¡¯s simulator extensively, Sam was quickly up to speed, and showed impressive pace and consistency The team plan to start evaluating the 2012 Pirelli tyres tomorrow
Sam Bird: ¡°We did some good work today as the team began on-track preparations for the 2012 season. It¡¯s fantastic to be behind the wheel of a Formula One car again, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself out there. I¡¯m looking forward to the next two days and making a contribution to the team¡¯s work for 2012. Many thanks to MERCEDES GP PETRONAS for giving me this opportunity.¡±
Team Lotus Renault
Jody Egginton, Chief Engineer: "It was a good day today for Rodolfo and the team. We completed the full run plan which is excellent for a young driver who was last in an F1 car a year ago. This morning we focused on getting the driver used to the car and reacquainted with the circuit and then ran an aero programme, which all went to plan. In the afternoon we ran a tyre programme, testing the 2012 Pirelli tyres with all the other teams. For the last run of the day we put the soft tyres on and gave Rodolfo the chance to measure his progress on track and put in some final quick lap times.
"He performed very well all day and did not put a foot wrong. His lap times came down throughout the day and I think he is pleased with what he has achieved today. He seems very happy with the car and gave good feedback throughout all his runs which is also reflected in his performance.
"The next couple of days will be a similar run plan, spending time with the drivers to get them used to the car and that programme will stay constant throughout the three days. We will also be taking a look at some new dampers and conduct more tests for Pirelli, including some longer runs which have been requested by them. There will be a number of other background items that we will run, but the main thing is getting the drivers used to the car and getting clear and valuable feedback from them."
Rodolfo Gonzalez: "We did a few runs in the morning so I could get used to the car which I found very useful and it really helped to improve my style of driving. We ran some aerodynamic tests which took half of the morning, with many small adjustments and set-up changes, and then ran tyre tests on the 2012 Pirelli tyres. I¡¯m very happy with the car, and the team have been absolutely fantastic and given me a lot of help today.
"I drove the T127 last year which is this car¡¯s predecessor and I can really see the difference and improvements in the T128 and across the whole team. Obviously the Renault engine and Red Bull gearbox play a big role in the change of the car, but overall it feels as though it has more downforce and is smoother to drive. The rear end is also more stable which gives me the confidence to push into the corners and to get on the power early on the exits.
"It¡¯s my dream to drive in Formula One so I¡¯m really very thankful for this opportunity. I think I¡¯ve showed I have potential with the lap times I did, and am pleased with my times overall. I¡¯ve proved I can do the job and have really enjoyed this experience in the car and learned a lot for my future."
|
|
|
Post by Anna on Nov 15, 2011 17:37:09 GMT
So the youngest driver is 18 and the oldest 30. Nice range ;D . I'm guessing quite a few of them are just doing a lot of aero work etc specially the actual test drivers like Bird, Bianchi and Paffett. Nice to see some names we're not used to seeing, got to get used to team Caterham and team Marussia. Can we all stop talking about Gary Paffetts age, he can't help that he's a grandad the fact he actually qualifies for this is just sad. I think he needs a hug. Tomorrow my ickle Jules will be doing wing tests for Ferrari's new front wing I know that much (probably in that bit you posted after) I just love watching Jules do anything .
|
|
|
Post by Anna on Nov 16, 2011 13:12:54 GMT
Driver Team Time Gap Jean-Eric Vergne Red Bull 1’40.188 Jules Bianchi Ferrari 1’40.279 0.091 Gary Paffett McLaren 1’41.756 1.568 Valtteri Bottas Williams 1’42.367 2.179 Esteban Gutierrez Sauber 1’43.637 3.449 Johnny Cecotto Jnr Force India 1’43.656 3.468 Sam Bird Mercedes 1’43.734 3.546 Kevin Korjus Renault 1’43.776 3.588 Luiz Razia Lotus 1’43.944 3.756 Kevin Ceccon Toro Rosso 1’44.808 4.620 Jan Charouz HRT 1’46.644 6.456 Charles Pic Virgin 1’46.698 6.510 Nathanael Bethon HRT 1’48.646 8.458
|
|
|
Post by Anna on Nov 16, 2011 13:46:41 GMT
Abu Dhabi test not just about young drivers - Sauber
2012 on the way
Wednesday 16 November 2011 - 09h31, by GMM The eyes of the formula one world remain on Abu Dhabi this week, as a big field of so-called ’young drivers’ conduct three days of testing.
But, as ever at the pinnacle of motor racing, nothing is ever exactly as it seems.
"I think it is not so much a ’young driver’ test," said Peter Sauber, who returned to Switzerland after Sunday’s race rather than opting to remain with his team in the Arab emirate.
He might be referring to the fact that, at the age of 30, McLaren’s Gary Paffett is not exactly ’young’.
"I think he’s still young enough to be in formula one," insisted team boss Martin Whitmarsh.
In reality, with F1 testing now such a rarity, the top teams need reliable drivers at the wheel, as nowhere in the rules are they forbidden from trialling solutions for the 2012 season this week.
"In our case, the priority is the technical programme," confirmed Mercedes’ Ross Brawn, who is running Sam Bird throughout the three day test.
"We’ve got Nico (Rosberg signed up) for the long term and we are not right now in the market for a young driver," he added.
Ferrari reserve driver Jules Bianchi’s car was running a huge gantry of aerodynamic sensors on Tuesday, while Valtteri Bottas’ Williams had 2012-style top-exiting exhausts.
Jean-Eric Vergne’s Red Bull was fitted with a device to record front wing flexibility, and teams were getting their first taste of Pirelli’s 2012 tyres.
"I was surprised how different the Pirelli prototype 2012 was compared to the normal 2011 tyre," said Canadian Robert Wickens after testing the Renault.
Sauber’s comments may also have been a reference to the fact many in this week’s driver lineup are not being considered for official roles but have simply paid handsomely.
GP2 driver Fabio Leimer, fourth quickest in Sauber’s C30, is believed to have paid hundreds of thousands of Swiss francs for his single day of running.
In the paddock was the 22-year-old’s wealthy backer Rainer Gantenbein, who according to Blick newspaper has forked out more than $16 million throughout Leimer’s formative career so far.
Asked if he is a ’madman’, he laughed: "Sure.
"(But) I regard it as an investment. It would be great if some money would flow back to me if Fabio makes it to formula one.
"We had some talks with Virgin and HRT (for 2012) but I prefer to give him a third season in GP2."
|
|
|
Post by Anna on Nov 16, 2011 13:47:08 GMT
Interview with Dani Clos - Great to step back into an F1 car
"To drive an F1 car and do so with a Spanish team is a fantastic feeling"
Wednesday 16 November 2011 - 11h00, by Olivier Ferret Just two days after taking part in the last GP2 race of the season in Abu Dhabi, Dani Clos joined up with HRT F1 Team to drive in the Young Driver Test. This was a historic occasion as he became the first Spanish driver ever to drive in a Spanish Formula 1 team. The 23 year old driver from Barcelona covered more than 370 kilometres with the F111 as he completed the test programme without any issues and offering a good performance.
How was your experience back in a Formula 1 car?
DC: It was great to step back into an F1 car; it’s been three years since I drove with Williams. Obviously things have changed a bit in Formula 1 in these three years but that experience still helped me to not start from scratch. Despite that, it did take me a few laps to settle down and start driving comfortably. To have this opportunity to drive a Formula 1 car and do it with a Spanish team is twice as satisfying. Firstly I had to get used to the car quite quickly which wasn’t a problem and then acclimatize to the different compounds. Once we got over this obstacle we could focus on doing a proper job and, overall, I’m very happy with how the test went.
What surprised you most about the car and how does it compare to GP2?
DC: There are many differences between this car and a GP2 car, such as for example, power steering which makes things a little bit easier. But I would say that the toughest aspect to get used to is the different tyre compounds because in GP2 we use one per weekend and here you change from one run to another. The other notable differences are that this car has better braking and more aero. The engine only has 130 more horse power so that isn’t such a huge difference. The feeling going through corners and braking with this is car is incredible.
Are you pleased with your performance in the test?
DC: Yes, for sure. I think that both the team’s work and my work were positive and, as a result, the times were good too. If we compare our times to last weekend’s we were pretty close. I’ve taken a lot of positives out of this test and am very happy with the end product. I also think the team is happy with the performance so I hope to have set a solid base for the future.
Are you ready to take the step into Formula 1?
DC: You never stop learning even once you have made it to Formula 1, so I still have a lot to learn. But I do think I’m prepared to take the step. I’ve got a lot of experience in GP2 and have achieved good results there. But there are many factors that decide whether a driver makes it into F1 or not. It’s not impossible and I would love to be involved at some level, if it’s not as an official driver then as a test driver, whilst also competing in another category. Continuing in GP2 is more than a valid option and I think that I can also achieve great things there.
Having been with HRT on the inside, how do you see next year’s project?
DC: Working with them has been a great experience. The human and technical group they have is good and next year’s project looks very promising. I think they are changing their car, headquarters and a few other things which will make the team more stable and attractive. Without a doubt these changes are for the better. From what I have seen they seem very ambitious and they are there to make it.
|
|
|
Post by Anna on Nov 16, 2011 13:47:47 GMT
Ferrari keeps focus on solving 2012 wing ’fluttering’
"We are trying to find the reasons for the vibration"
Wednesday 16 November 2011 - 09h55, by GMM Ferrari has entered another week with a firm focus on the flexibility of its new front wing.
The Red Bull-like component made its track debut recently but in India and Abu Dhabi it was observed "fluttering" violently at the front of Felipe Massa’s car.
So among the famous Italian team’s job lists this week in Abu Dhabi, where Jules Bianchi is running all three days of the ’young driver’ test, is to solve that problem as soon as possible.
"We are trying to find the reasons for the vibration," confirmed Frenchman Bianchi, according to the Spanish sports daily AS.
"There will be no more tests after this (until 2012) so it is very important," he added.
But although front wing flexibility was controversial particularly last year, Ferrari’s intense focus on its development ahead of 2012 is seen by some as slightly confusing.
Team boss Stefano Domenicali explained: "This year the exhaust blowing and the rear diffuser has had a great influence on the behaviour of the car.
"But for next year the designs will be limited and therefore the aerodynamics of the car returns to being much more traditional," he is quoted by Marca.
"So the front wing once again becomes the most important, not only from the standpoint of speed but the whole balance and stability of the car," added Domenicali.
He said he is "very glad" Ferrari decided to kick off its new focus on the 2012 front wing before the current season had concluded.
"So it means the problems we have had with Felipe’s car can be corrected well in advance rather than waiting until February to see what happens.
"Other teams like Red Bull have had this same (fluttering) situation, which is normal because we are all looking for the edge with the front wing to meet the regulations for next season," said Domenicali.
|
|
|
Post by Anna on Nov 16, 2011 23:09:04 GMT
Young driver test: team reaction after Day 2
Team quotes
Wednesday 16 November 2011 - 18h00, by Olivier Ferret
Sauber Ferrari
Abu Dhabi, 16th November 2011 – Esteban Gutiérrez, the team’s official test and reserve driver, was at the wheel of the Sauber C30-Ferrari on day two of the three Young Driver Days at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit. For the 20-year-old Mexican, who has his first GP2 season under his belt, it was the fourth time he has climbed into a Sauber Formula One car. The Young Driver Days at the end of the 2009 and 2010 season and a straight line test in 2011 were the previous occasions for Esteban, who will continue driving tomorrow. Today he was mainly busy with tyre comparisons and evaluations.
Giampaolo Dall’Ara, Head of Track Engineering: “Today the focus was on tyre testing. Esteban compared and evaluated the 2011 version of Pirelli’s soft compound tyre with a new soft tyre which has been made for 2012. It is also different in design. We have covered a very good mileage today, despite the fact we had to stop for 20 minutes early in the afternoon due to a loss of hydraulic pressure. Although Esteban is very young and drove the C30 for the first time on a proper race track and also had to deal with the DRS and KERS, he gave us very mature and useful feedback. We have done everything that was on today’s programme, and are looking forward to another productive day with Esteban tomorrow.”
Esteban Gutiérrez: “It was a great day for me to learn about the different tyres. It is quite challenging to adapt from one to another, and you have to be sensible enough not to push too hard when you have less grip. It was a very good experience for me and I’m looking forward to tomorrow. I’m happy with how the team is welcoming me back in the car. It is good to drive again to continue developing myself to get prepared for the future.”
HRT F1 Cosworth
Jan Charouz was in the car for HRT F1 Team today in the second day of the Young Driver Test at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. The programme scheduled for the Czech driver, who’s already driven an F1 car in the past, was orientated towards optimizing his adaptation to the car and tyres. Charouz completed four medium distance stints with soft tyres and one with supersoft tyres in the morning. After the midday interval he carried out another test with supersofts before completing a long run of 14 laps with medium tyres before finishing off with another run on supersofts.
The main target of the day was for Charouz to grow in confidence behind the wheel and for him to experiment the different tyre compounds. The programme was slightly delayed because a change of engine was required at midday as a precautionary measure. Although the change was made in a record time, afternoon testing started a little bit later than scheduled. The 24 year old Czech driver covered a total of 56 laps, summing up a total of 311 kilometres, finishing in 11th position with a time of 1’46.644. Once Jan Charouz finished his session, the team proceeded to changing drivers in order to fit Nathanael Berthon’s seat to have it ready for the French driver’s test which will take place tomorrow on the third and final day of the Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi.
Jan Charouz: "It was really nice driving for HRT today. It was great that we had a lot of tyres to test, which is something that I need a lot because my biggest problem is getting the time out on new tyres. I liked working with the team as they were very professional; we had an engine problem in the afternoon and I’ve never seen anybody change an engine so quickly! I encountered some traffic on my last run on supersofts and I was only able to do one lap. It was a great experience and it would be great to drive again. I was feeling more comfortable lap by lap as I was getting to know the car better and how different controls worked. It was also my first chance to use DRS which was really nice to experience, there are so many things you have to do at the same time and it was good to start to get used to it".
Nathanael Berthon: "I wasn’t able to run for much but it was incredible to get out on the track with an F1 car. It’s important to do laps to adapt to the driving posture so that I can start tomorrow’s test comfortably and get the most out of it".
Arnau Niubo, race engineer: "Today we had planned to test two drivers and that meant that more preparation work was needed as well as a more complex work plan. Both the team and the driver did a good job. We started with Charouz in the morning and the target was for him to adapt to the car and tyres. He progressed as the day went on and set some good times. It was a shame that he wasn’t able to improve even more towards the end as he encountered some traffic on his last lap on supersoft tyres. We had to change the engine at midday as a precautionary measure. Although this delayed us a bit, I think that we can be satisfied with Jan’s performance as well as being content for having changed the engine so quickly and getting Nathanael in the car so that he could do some laps and get to know the car ahead of tomorrow’s test".
|
|