Brendon Hartley is expected to drive at Magny-Cours with Mercedes

Present at Magny-Cours for the Young Driver Tests with Mercedes, Brendon Hartley is expected to take the wheel of the F1 W03 tomorrow, Thursday, for the last day of testing on the Nivernais circuit: « I think that, normally, I will drive tomorrow. But I am very happy to be here. I have been working with Mercedes-Benz for a year and a half, and it’s going very well. It will be nice to transition from working in the simulator to reality. I am happy to be here and hope that I will have my second chance to drive a Formula One. »

The New Zealander will not be discovering Formula One for the first time, having been part of the Red Bull stable before joining Mercedes and currently competing in Endurance: « The first time was with Red Bull in 2008, but I was only 18: I might not have been really ready yet. Before that, the fastest car I had driven was a Formula 3, so it was quite a big step up at that time. Today, I feel a bit better prepared, having done some testing in Formula One, raced in the World Series by Renault, and in GP2. This year, I’m racing in Endurance. Whatever happens, I am happy to be here and I feel ready to get in the car. »

At Mercedes, the young driver contributes to the car’s development in the simulator, just like Sam Bird: « You know, it’s quite an important job because a lot of testing is now done in the simulator, given that on-track testing is limited. It’s a pretty significant role, behind the scenes, but it’s progressing and simulation is becoming increasingly important. Everything that is fitted onto the car goes through the simulator first. »

As for 2013, the New Zealander is not really thinking about Formula One and hopes to continue racing in Endurance: « In fact, I really enjoy it and hope I can continue to make a career out of it, but obviously I’m open to any opportunities that might come up. I want to keep working and stay positive. »

From our correspondent in Magny-Cours.