Abu Dhabi: Young Drivers Test Programme

This season, Formula 1 teams have been unable to agree on a common date for young driver testing. Some wanted to keep the Abu Dhabi date as in previous years, while others felt that with the Indian and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in quick succession followed two weeks later by the United States and then Brazil Grand Prix, the logistical challenge would be too great.

A date was proposed in July following the British Grand Prix, but only three teams participated on that occasion: Williams, Marussia, and HRT. More recently, there were three test days conducted by Scuderia Ferrari, Mercedes, and Sahara Force India at Magny-Cours after the Italian Grand Prix in mid-September.

This week, it will be up to the six other teams to complete these three days of testing at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Here is the schedule planned by Red Bull, McLaren, Lotus, Sauber, Toro Rosso, and Caterham for the three test days scheduled from Tuesday, November 6th to Thursday, November 8th.

It is noteworthy that after driving with Sahara Force India at Magny-Cours, Luiz Razia will have the opportunity to test a second Formula 1 car, as the Brazilian is entrusted by Scuderia Toro Rosso for two test days. Robin Frijns, recently a champion in Formula Renault 3.5, will also have the chance to test two different cars, with the Dutchman driving the Sauber C31 on the first day and the Red Bull RB8 on the last day.

The program for the young driver tests in Abu Dhabi 2012: