Lotus team principal Eric Boullier terms Silverstone young drivers test nonsense – Formula 1 news
Lotus team principal Eric Boullier has rubbished Formula 1’s plans to host a young drivers test at Silverstone in July.
Boullier called the test “nonsense” for various reasons. He explained that the timing is just not right for the test as the young drivers are already in the middle of their season and championship and they should not be bothered in the middle of their season.
Most teams have opted for the Silverstone test with some teams opting for the Abu Dhabi test in November. Boullier said that the Abu Dhabi test was the right time to hold it and it would not be problematic for the young drivers to take part in.
“We had a strong discussion, let's say, and definitely I was against this, especially for the reasons raised. For me it is absolutely nonsense to have a young driver test in July when all the young kids are in the middle of the season and focused on racing
and the championship. We cannot disturb this,” he said.
He added that another issue with holding the test in June is that you have to consider that teams will look into developing their cars more than focusing on the young drivers. It can turn out to be unfair advantage and it is not going to be good for the
spirit of the sport.
Boullier despite his criticism over the timing of the test signed up for it as well stating cost and staffing issues.
He added, “Between choosing to go to Abu Dhabi for young drivers, which is very important for me, and Silverstone, I obviously have to choose what it best for the team and that is Silverstone. But actually I would like it to rain, so we will go back to the
original schedule - which for me is the normal one.”
Boullier has definitely raised some serious questions, especially the part where teams can use the test as a way to test their parts is crucial. It will be interesting to see how F1 management opts to tackle with this situation. If they do not do anything
about it that will make things more interesting to see which teams opt to test out new parts for their cars.
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