Carlos Sainz Jr hopes to have convinced Red Bull in Abu Dhabi
Driving the Red Bull on Tuesday for the post-season tests on the Abu Dhabi track, Carlos Sainz Jr, in contention for a full-time seat at Toro Rosso in 2015, hopes to have demonstrated his potential to the Red Bull leaders.
The second starting place at Toro Rosso in 2015 alongside Max Verstappen has not yet been assigned. While Jean-Eric Vergne, Alex Lynn, and Pierre Gasly are still in the running, preference was given to Carlos Sainz Jr. on Tuesday to test a Red Bull RB10 and prove himself on the Abu Dhabi track.
Credited with the 5th fastest time at 1:45.339, the Spaniard hopes to have convinced the Red Bull leaders of his potential: « I’m happy and I think I did a good job. No mistakes, which was clearly the main goal. In testing, you never really know. With this year’s cars, you can be three or four seconds faster just with a few adjustments. Everything can affect performance, so we have to wait to get feedback from the team and then we can see where we stand. »
The decision regarding the second Toro Rosso seat should be made soon, but for now, nothing has been decided yet, as confirmed by the Formula Renault 3.5 champion: « I haven’t heard anything about my future yet. I’m just waiting for them to make a decision. I’m sure they will make the right decision, and of course, I hope they choose me. »
With 99 laps under his belt, Sainz has gained valuable experience in understanding the behavior of a Formula 1: « There were no problems. We had an extensive program. In the morning, we did some aerodynamic checks and in the afternoon, I was able to push a bit more. I think it was the perfect plan to get used to the car and I am very grateful to Red Bull for giving me this opportunity. »
Moreover, Lotus indicated that another contender for the Toro Rosso seat, the British driver Alex Lynn, will participate in today’s tests at the wheel of an E22 that he will share with the Frenchman Esteban Ocon.
Lynn, who had not been offered the opportunity to drive a Red Bull or a Toro Rosso during these tests, is happy to have been approached by Lotus: « Last Sunday, I was called by Lotus to see if I could drive for them one afternoon. I don’t expect to go any further with the team, to be honest, I’m just a tester. I feel quite lucky. If I can do 35 or 40 laps, I will be happy. »
