Jean-Eric Vergne will drive for Red Bull in the young drivers’ test following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Vergne drove for Toro Rosso in practice for the Korean Grand Prix.
He said: “I’m really looking forward to driving the RB7 in Abu Dhabi. I know the track already and have had some track time in a Formula 1 car this year, which will help.
“I’m extremely happy that Red Bull Racing has given me this opportunity, it will be a massive experience for me and to be driving the best Formula One car is something quite amazing. I will make the best out of the three days, it will be an important three days and I’m looking forward to it.”
Vergne was runner-up in this year’s Formula Renault 3.5 championship. The young drivers’ test takes place on the 15th-17th of November at the Yas Marina circuit.
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Trix (@)
1st November 2011, 11:10
Vernge? As in French revenge? :-D (mind you, you got it right in the article)
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
1st November 2011, 11:12
@Trix New driver, still getting used to spelling his name!
Trix (@)
1st November 2011, 11:22
It’s one of those weird sounds that are hard to spell for foreigners, I completely understand. ;-)
damonsmedley (@damonsmedley)
4th November 2011, 7:44
How is it pronounced, though?
NW
1st November 2011, 12:26
it’s more like shame, “vergogne”, LOL
Trix (@)
1st November 2011, 19:55
If you want to get it right, that is. :-)
Ben Everard (@beneverard)
1st November 2011, 11:13
I was about to ask what car Ricciardo would be driving… but the young driver test is usually for those that aren’t currently don’t have a race seat… whoops :D
Still doesn’t seem Daniel is properly driving, considering his main weapon of choice is the HRT shopping trolley :P
Ben Everard (@beneverard)
1st November 2011, 11:18
“those who don’t currently have a race seat” damn my English skills :-/
PJ (@)
1st November 2011, 12:32
So in theory… Kimi could take part :D
BasCB (@bascb)
1st November 2011, 13:01
I have been wondering that as well, but I guess being a former world champion rules him out!
raymondu999 (@raymondu999)
2nd November 2011, 6:28
@bascb @pjtierney the rules are that you must have started less than 2 Grands Prix ;)
BasCB (@bascb)
2nd November 2011, 6:54
That will be a hard one to argue for Kimi then @raymondu999!
Ben Needham (@ben-n)
1st November 2011, 12:43
I can’t confirm – but I think the rule is that the driver given the seat has to have competed in less than 2 GP. I don’t believe practice sessions count.
Guilherme (@guilherme)
1st November 2011, 19:04
There must be some restriction on how many practice sessions a driver can do. If not, then McLaren would be able to run Gary Paffett!
Maybe the limit is on total distance raced rather than number of sessions.
Mike (@mike)
2nd November 2011, 14:33
I think they might have run Paffett last year…..
sportsman (@sportsman)
1st November 2011, 20:47
Thats exactly correct.
wasiF1 (@wasif1)
1st November 2011, 13:15
Is there an official full driver’s list published? Secondly it is a three days event so is there any numbers of drivers that is restricted per team? What is the maximum number of GP can that driver have under him to be at ‘young driver test’?
Felipe Bomeny (@portugoose)
2nd November 2011, 0:48
So far, these are the confirmations:
Red Bull: Vergne
Ferrari: Bianchi
Renault: Kevin Korjus, Robert Wickens (prize test for Wickens)
Sauber: Leimer and Gutierrez
Toro Rosso: Stefano Coletti
Marussia: Adrian Quiafe-Hobbs (prize test)
Felipe Bomeny (@portugoose)
2nd November 2011, 0:51
Oh, and Mirko Bortolotti will test for Williams as a prize for winning the Formula 2 Champiomship. He will be joined by Valtteri Bottas.
damonsmedley (@damonsmedley)
4th November 2011, 7:45
@Portugoose I’m surprised Wickens didn’t get a test with Marussia instead…
sportsman (@sportsman)
1st November 2011, 20:51
For the young driver test teams may field any driver who has not competed in more than two Grands Prix,
PJ (@)
1st November 2011, 23:51
And is there an age restriction or is “young driver test” just a figurative title?
Fixy (@)
1st November 2011, 22:13
Vergne deserves this chance.
Felipe Bomeny (@portugoose)
2nd November 2011, 0:46
Definitely; probably my favourite driver not yet in Formula One. He’s definitely quicker than Ricciardo and that slowpoke Hartley.
raymondu999 (@raymondu999)
2nd November 2011, 6:29
Is it pronounced “Vern,” as in “Fern,” or is “Ver-nyay?”
AndrewTanner (@andrewtanner)
2nd November 2011, 21:15
@raymondu999 I think it’s “Vern”. That’s how the BBC pronounced it.
Trix (@)
5th November 2011, 15:38
It’s pronounced more like Veyrn[j] if that makes any sense.
http://youtu.be/D80q7Xv3uHw
00:16 for a proper French pronounciation.
You’re welcome. :-D
AndrewTanner (@andrewtanner)
2nd November 2011, 21:17
Good news for Vergne! Be interesting to see what comparisons we can draw between him and Ricciardo.