Rookie Days at Silverstone: A “nonsense” for Boullier

The tests for young drivers have been taking place for two years in Abu Dhabi, but things might change this year, especially due to a busier schedule than in previous years with 20 Grand Prix planned.

The teams might be tempted to conduct these tests during the season, in July at Silverstone following the British Grand Prix – even if Red Bull and Toro Rosso would be against it. However, as Paul Hembery recently explained, they are free to change their minds at the last minute.

Eric Boullier, the director of the Lotus F1 team, told *Autosport* that he is against this solution: “It’s disappointing to be honest. I am a staunch supporter of young drivers, and Abu Dhabi was the perfect scenario for me. The young drivers need to finish their seasons, and you can organize these tests in a warm and pleasant place, with diversity. So I was actually a bit against the decision to move them earlier to Silverstone.”

He believes in particular that having young drivers who are focused on their championships racing is not a good thing: We had a lively discussion, and let’s say that, yes, I was clearly against it. For me, it’s absolute nonsense to have tests for young drivers in July when all these youngsters are in the middle of their seasons and focused on racing and their championships. We cannot disrupt that. It’s really the wrong time.

Eric Boullier also believes that holding these tests during the season could allow teams to test new parts: You also have another problem: organizing these tests in the middle of the season requires taking things into account from the teams’ perspective: and as a team, it’s a new opportunity to develop the car and bring new parts.

The French manager had to resolve to accept racing at Silverstone, particularly for the savings it entails, but he even hopes for rain before the teams reconsider and return to the “usual” schedule with these tests in Abu Dhabi at the end of the season: « Choosing between going to Abu Dhabi for the young driver tests, which is very important to me, and Silverstone, I have obviously chosen what is best for the team and that is Silverstone. But actually, I would like it to rain so that we return to the initial schedule – which I believe is the best.»

Teams can cancel their presence at Silverstone before these tests if the weather does not prove favorable, but if a team runs its car on the first day, it will be required to stay at Silverstone for the three scheduled days even if the weather deteriorates afterwards.