Julian Leal Q&A

Due largely to the success of both Pastor Maldonado and Sergio Perez during recent years’, South America is enjoying a resurgence in the world of Formula 1. Next season the Mexican Grand Prix is scheduled to make a return to the sport’s calendar for the first time since 1992, with companies such as Telmex and PDVSA assisting many drivers throughout the lower categories.

Amongst the many rising stars from South America is Columbian 23-year-old Julian Leal, who is currently competing in his third season in the GP2 Series with Racing Engineering. So far this season Leal has finished on the podium twice in succession at both Spa-Francorchamps and Monza, two of motorsport’s most iconic locations. Throughout his rise through the lower categories Julian Leal has won the F3000 Italian Series and a race in the Auto GP Series.

As Columbia’s nearest driver to the coveted world of Formula 1, the Bucaramanga-born driver is keen on becoming only the nation’s fourth driver in the sport and the first since Juan Pablo Montoya in 2006. With the GP2 season drawing to a conclusion with only two race weekends remaining, I caught up with Julian Leal to discuss his career so far and motorsport in South America.

Q: First of all Julian, many thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. So far this season you have picked up two podium finishes and two fastest laps with Racing Engineering. Already this has been your most competitive season in the GP2 Series, with two race weekends still to come. How would you describe your season so far with Racing Engineering?

Julian Leal: The second half of the season went really well for me. The team has helped me from the very beginning and I learned a lot with them. So it is a positive year for me.

Q: You made your debut in the GP2 Series in 2011 with Rapax in both the main Series and the Asian Series, after a season in the inaugural year of the Auto GP Series. How different, if at all, was life in GP2 in comparison to the Auto GP Series and the other categories you had previously competed in?

Julian Leal made his debut in the GP2 Asia Series back in 2011 with Rapax.

JL: The GP2 car is very different. It is faster, has more engine power and you go through corners much quicker. Also the carbon brakes make quite a difference. But the categories I raced in before were a good school.

Q: You began your open-wheel career in the Formula Renault 2.0 Panam Series with Pexin back in 2006. How exactly did you get into motorsport and begin your climb up the motorsport ladder?

JL: I started in Karting back in Colombia in the 100cc and 125cc categories. After winning the Nacam Cup, I was invited to participate in the Formula Renault 2000, where I participated in some races achieving good results, including three podium finishes. Then my father found the opportunity for me to race in Formula 3000 and from that day on I have moved to Europe racing in F3000, FR3.5, Auto GP and GP2.

Q: In 2008 you became the F3000 Italian Champion, beating the likes of Nicholas Prost, Luiz Razia and Fabio Onidi. However, you didn’t win a race all season. What were your feelings after winning that particular Championship but without winning a race?

JL: That was a very good year and I managed to be consistent from race to race. And in the end I scored more points than the others.

Q: So far in Formula 1 there have only been three drivers from Columbia, with Juan Pablo Montoya becoming the latest driver to do so with the likes of McLaren and Williams. Seeing as you’re currently the nearest Columbian driver to Formula 1, is there any added pressure on your shoulders?

Julian Leal is currently Columbia’s closest driver to the world of Formula 1.

JL: I try to simply enjoy the racing on a race by race base. Each time I get into the car, I try to give my best.

Q: With many drivers currently rising through the lower categories from numerous South American nations such as Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico and Columbia, how important do you think the return of the Mexican Grand Prix will be should it officially return next season on the Formula 1 calendar?

JL: I think it’s very important for the South American drivers because with another Grand Prix there, it might make the search for sponsorship easier.

Q: After a relatively competitive season so far with Racing Engineering, what are your hopes for next season. Do you aim to remain in the GP2 Series, or possibly return to the Formula Renault 3.5 Series?

JL: Firstly the season has to finish and until then I am 100% focused on finishing it the best way possible. After the season I will decide about the next step.

Many thanks to Racing Engineering and Julian Leal for the communication and time taken to complete this interview.

Picture(s) Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service

Sam Bird Q&A

After a season away in the World Series by Renault, Sam Bird has made an explosive return to the GP2 Series with Russian Time which has so far included one race victory. The 26-year-old Briton, who has tested for the Mercedes F1 team, has already knocked up numerous races victories in the feeder category.

Since making his open-wheel debut back in 2004, Sam Bird has competed in many of the sport’s top feeder categories such as British Formula Three, Masters of Formula 3 and the World Series by Renault. Recently he has tested for the Mercedes Formula 1 team, alongside his commitments in GP2, GP2 Asia and the World Series by Renault. After a competitive season in the World Series by Renault last year with ISR, which included two victories and numerous podiums, the Briton returned to the GP2 Series with new outfit Russian Time.

Already the outfit has proven to be a competitive force in the GP2 Series, with Sam Bird already securing a race victory and Tom Dillmann finishing competitively in the points and securing the reverse grid pole in Bahrain. Although Sam Bird believes Russian Time is still behind most of the top teams on the grid, he is confident of the season ahead. With a lengthy gap between Bahrain and Spain, I caught up with Sam Bird to discuss his successful return to the category and his plans between the two race weekends.

Q: First of all Sam, many thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. You have had an extremely competitive return to the GP2 Series with Russian Time, which has included a victory at Bahrain. Did you think such a victory would be possible so early in the season?

Sam Bird takes victory by just +0.080 over Felipe Nasr.

Sam Bird: Yes I did. We knew we were on the back foot as a result of coming into GP2 so late in the day and missing out on pre-season testing. Equally, we felt that if everyone worked hard and worked smart, we could compete for honors very early. Having said that, we are well aware that we are still a little behind from a technical point of view so there is a lot of hard work ahead.

Q: Russian Time is a completely new outfit in the GP2 Series, however both you and your team-mate Tom Dillmann have been instantly on the pace. As the Series returns to Europe, how do you rate you and your teams chances of mounting a Championship challenge alongside the likes of Racing Engineering, Carlin and Rapax?

SB: As I have just said, I think we are still behind those teams – and probably others – simply by virtue of the wealth of experience and data that they have over us. In this game, knowledge and data are paramount. But the technical team at Russian Time is switched on and Tom Dillmann and I both have some GP2 experience to bring to the party. So we will do our best to catch up and continue competing at the sharp end.

Q: This season in GP2, Pirelli have designed their tyres to behave like they do in Formula 1 to prepare the next generation of drivers in tyre conservation. How do you believe the tyres handle in comparison to F1, what with your knowledge in F1 machinery with Mercedes?

SB: Having not yet raced on the Pirelli tyres in an F1 Grand Prix, the direct comparison is a difficult one to make. Having said that, based on my experience of testing the F1 car on Pirelli rubber, I would say that the challenges of managing the tyres are similar, although GP2 has the added challenge of having only one pitstop in the feature race and none at all in the sprint race! This makes tyre conservation in GP2 possibly even more critical than it is in F1. In F1, if you unexpectedly fall off the “cliff” you can dive into the pits for a fresh set, even if it means having to readapt the pit stop strategy. If the same happens to you in the GP2 sprint race, you’ve pretty much had it…

Q: During the season opener in Malaysia, we saw Johnny Cecotto jr. display rather questionable driving against you during qualifying. He was demoted to the back of the grid, however such unacceptable driving was repeated in Bahrain by Sergio Canamasas on Kevin Ceccon. Do you think the stewards need to hand out tougher sanctions against drivers who display such dangerous driving?

SB: The stewards have branded such driving “unacceptable”. As for the punishments, it’s not for me to comment. They have been handed out and are to be respected.

Sam Bird has tested for the Mercedes F1 team on numerous occasions.

Q: As well as your GP2 Series commitments with Russian Time, you are also associated with the Mercedes F1 Team. For the last three years you have partaken in their Young Driver Program. Can we expect to see you reprise your role later in the year, or is it too early for such plans?

SB: I continue to work for Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team as their Reserve Driver but precise plans for the Young Driver Test are yet to be finalised.

Q: And finally, what are your plans for the extensive gap between Bahrain and Spain? With no ability to carry out track testing between the two race weekends, will you jump into the Mercedes simulator to prepare yourself for racing around Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya?

SB: I will be fulfilling my role for Mercedes at their factory in Brackley, working mainly on the simulator. I will travel to Oschersleben too, to meet with the Russian Time engineering team. I will also be working hard on my ongoing preparation and fitness. Finally, I have a few media and charity commitments. So all in all, I will be pretty busy.

Many thanks to Sam Bird and James Olivier for the communication and time taken to complete this interview.

Picture(s) Copyright © Glenn Dunbar/GP2 Series Media Service & Getty Images

Antonio Felix Da Costa To Act As Red Bull Reserve Driver In China

It has been announced that Portuguese driver Antonio Felix da Costa will act as Red Bull’s reserve driver during this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix, as the outfit’s full-time reserve driver Sebastien Buemi competes in the opening round of the World Endurance Championship at Silverstone. The 21-year-old is widely regarded as Red Bull’s rising sensation, following in the footsteps of the outfit’s protege Sebastian Vettel.

Antonio Felix da Costa became part of the Red Bull Junior Team last season, whilst competing in the World Series by Renault and GP3 Series. The Portuguese driver enjoyed a tremendously competitive season in both categories, taking a combined seven victories and the victory at the prestigious Macau Grand Prix, which ultimately saw him take part in the Formula 1 Young Driver Test at Abu Dhabi for Red Bull in November. This enabled him to complete a combined total of 141 laps for the Milton Keynes-based outfit, and gather valuable knowledge behind the wheel of an F1 machine.

Since loosing his seat at Toro Rosso at the end of the 2011 season, Sebastien Buemi has continued his presence in the Formula 1 paddock as the Red Bull reserve driver. Many expect Antonio Felix da Costa to enter Formula 1 with Toro Rosso in the future, much like Sebastian Vettel did in 2008. However, with the Portuguese driver continuing to impress many throughout the lower categories, its entirely feasible that Red Bull could opt for da Costa as a replacement for Mark Webber in the future.

Despite a successful campaign in the GP3 Series last season, Antonio Felix da Costa has not opted for “graduation” through to the GP2 Series for 2013. Instead, the Portuguese ace has elected to continue competing in the World Series by Renault, otherwise known as Formula Renault 3.5. He began his 2013 campaign in the category in superlative style for Arden Caterham, winning one race at Monza.

Picture Copyright © Daniel Kalisz/GP3 Series Media Service

Jules Bianchi Replaces Luiz Razia At Marussia

Frenchman Jules Bianchi has officially replaced Brazilian driver Luiz Razia at Marussia, only several weeks prior to the start of the new season. This comes amid sudden speculation surrounding Luiz Razia’s association with the Anglo-Russian outfit, with the former GP2 driver’s financial support towards the team failing to materialize.

After only two days of track action during pre-season testing for Marussia, Luiz Razia failed to make an appearance for the outfit during the second pre-season test at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya. The Brazilian’s unexplained involvement during the second test instantly re-ignited the Formula 1 rumor mill, and it was soon confirmed that “complications” with Razia’s contract was the cause for his absence. For all four days of the second test, Max Chilton was behind the wheel of the MR-02 machine.

When Max Chilton continued to rack up the miles for Marussia once the third and final pre-season test began, strong rumors linking numerous familiar faces to Luiz Razia’s drive at the outfit began to surface which included Vitaly Petrov, Heikki Kovalainen and Narain Karthikeyan. However, with only two days of pre-season testing remaining prior to the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Marussia have finally confirmed what is hoped to be the final driver alteration of the season with Ferrari-backed Frenchman Jules Bianchi replacing former GP2 runner-up Luiz Razia at the team.

“We are very pleased to welcome Jules Bianchi to the Marussia F1 Team.” Confirmed Marussia’s team principal, John Booth at the Barcelona circuit after the second day of testing. “Jules is a proven talent who is highly regarded within the Paddock. He has been on a clear trajectory towards Formula 1 and has achieved some impressive performances through the various feeder formulae, notably his 2012 season in Formula Renault 3.5 when he was also Reserve Driver for Force India. He is part of the Ferrari Driver Academy and his obvious pedigree put him on the radar for a number of teams over the winter as a driver ready to step up to Formula 1.

“We have found ourselves in a situation where we have had to terminate our contract with Luiz Razia. Having made clear the basis on which we must operate in 2013, and given the steps we had taken to put that new structure in place, we had no alternative but to remain true to the principles which we had identified as being key to securing our long-term future. Jules can now look forward to a very swift initiation into the Team over the course of the next two days here in Barcelona, when he is expected to run for one and a half days to afford both our drivers some dry running with the latest aero specification.”

Jules Bianchi was initially linked to the vacancy at Force India for the majority of the winter period, but the 23-year-old was eventually thwarted by returning German driver Adrian Sutil. After several impressive years in the lower Formulae, it looked as though Bianchi would once again have to endure a year on the sidelines as either a test or reserve driver. However, in the dog-eat-dog world of the sport, Razia’s loss is certainly Bianchi’s gain, with the Frenchman understandably overjoyed with his new appointment.

“I am thrilled to have secured a race seat with the Marussia F1 Team.” Enthralled the Frenchman, “Racing in Formula 1 this season has been my goal over the winter and after evaluating a number of options I am very excited to have this opportunity to demonstrate that I am ready for this next step in my racing career. I am also very grateful to the Ferrari Driver Academy that has always supported me and has given me the possibility to mature as a racing driver enabling me to be fully prepared for this new exciting challenge. The next two weeks of preparation for the season will be incredibly busy but I am ready to get started tomorrow with my first day in the MR02.”

Due to Jules Bianchi’s involvement with Ferrari, it has been widely rumored throughout the paddock that Marussia will switch to Ferrari power for the 2014 season once the new engine regulations come into force. This comes after Graeme Lowdon, Marussia’s team president, confirmed that it was unlikely that the team’s current engine supplier, Cosworth, would design an engine for 2014. Such a move for Marussia could be highly beneficial, and could propel the team to new heights in the coming months.

Picture Copyright © Marussia F1 Team

Antonio Felix da Costa Doesn’t Feel Added Pressure At Red Bull

Rising Red Bull protege Antonio Felix da Costa has explained how he does not feel added pressure whilst working with the Milton Keynes outfit, who have backed his World Series by Renault and GP3 endeavors this past season. After struggling to progress to GP2, da Costa found a drive in GP3 with Carlin.

After Antonio Felix da Costa’s superb start to the 2012 GP3 season, which saw him clinch pole at the season-opening round at Barcelona and 2nd place at Monaco, the Portuguese driver received a call from Red Bull asking whether he’d like to join their Junior Team. This organization has seen numerous drivers rise through the ranks of motor sport to Formula 1, including the likes of Daniel Ricciardo, Jean-Eric Vergne and most notably Sebastian Vettel.

Antonio Felix da Costa enjoyed a superlatively competitive 2012 season, despite its rocky beginnings, as the 21-year-old battled for Championship glory in the GP3, Formula Renault 3.5 and also took a memorable victory at iconic Macau Grand Prix towards the end of the season. These combined results have seen Antonio Felix da Costa become widely regarded as Red Bull’s next rising sensation, and enabled him to drive for Red Bull during their Young Driver Test programme at Abu Dhabi.

Although drivers’ such as Sebastian Vettel have progressed to the top of Formula 1 thanks to the Red Bull Junior Team, the organization has been known to be extremely tough on their drivers. This was clearly evident after the 2011 season in Formula 1 when the decision was made to replace both Sebastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari at Red Bull’s sister outfit Toro Rosso. However, Antonio Felix da Costa does not feel any added pressure at Red Bull, and understands their cut throat nature.

“You have pressure every time – it is not just being at Red Bull.” Explained Antonio Felix da Costa, in an interview with Sky Sports F1, “People talk about the Red Bull programme being very tough on a driver, but at the end of the day they are paying for you to drive and you become an employee for them.

“At the end of the day if they are paying for you to race, then they want you to win and you have to deliver, if not then you go home – that is the policy. If you are quick they take good care of you, if you are not they send you home and I think that is fair enough. Some drivers might get a second chance but that doesn’t happen often with Red Bull and I hope I won’t need one.”

After such a successful 2012 season, Antonio Felix da Costa is eyeing a potential full-time drive in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series, after combining his time in the series throughout 2012 with his time in the GP3 series. However, the Portuguese driver would also like to be able to partake in several Friday practice drives in Formula 1 next season, although he is currently remaining coy on his future.

“We will have to see – I don’t know what is going on really,” said Antonio Felix da Costa, when asked about his future plans. “I have heard nothing so far and am just enjoying some holidays and waiting on a phone call from the big guys. At the moment there is not much I can say, but if it is World Series [Formula Renault 3.5], if it is F1, if it is on the simulator, I will just give it my best.”

Formula Renault 3.5, or World Series by Renault as it is also known, has produced some of the top Formula 1 drivers of recent years such as Sebastian Vettel and Robert Kubica. Antonio Felix da Costa could well become the next driver to break into F1 from Formula Renault 3.5, and with Red Bull backing he could most certainly become an instant front-runner with the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

Picture Copyright © Daniel Kalisz/GP3 Series Media Service

Gutierrez Officially Confirmed At Sauber, Frijns Becomes Reserve Driver

Former GP3 Champion Esteban Gutierrez has been officially confirmed alongside Nico Hulkenberg at Sauber next season, ending much speculation with regards to the second seat at the team. This confirmation will most likely leave Kamui Kobayashi without a drive next season, unless he can find a drive with another outfit.

This news was practically confirmed yesterday at the Interlagos circuit by departing driver Sergio Perez, who admitted that Hulkenberg and team-mate Gutierrez would have a decent car for next season. Although no official confirmation followed Perez’s unorthodox announcement, his fellow countryman has long been hinted at filling his vacancy. Since winning the inaugural GP3 Championship back in 2010, the 21-year-old Mexican has been associated with the Sauber outfit as their test and reserve driver.

After enjoying several highly competitive seasons in GP2 with Lotus GP, it was widely believed Gutierrez was on course to break into Formula 1. When Sergio Perez was confirmed at McLaren next season, Gutierrez became one of the leading candidates to replace him. The Mexican driver will partner outbound Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg next season, as the driving line-up at the Hinwil-based outfit completely changes for 2013.

“After three years working with Sauber I feel very grateful for all the attention I have received from everyone in the team and for all their input, which has allowed me to develop into a Formula One driver in a very progressive way.” Explained Esteban Gutierrez, “Now, after experiencing other categories of racing as an introduction to Formula One, this is the start of the real challenge to succeed at the pinnacle of motor sport. It will be a great pleasure to be racing in the same team as an experienced driver like Nico Hülkenberg. He will be a good reference point for me and will push me to adapt quickly to F1 competition so we can develop the car together with the team in the best way.”

Robin Frijns will become the teams new test and reserve driver.

With Esteban Gutierrez receiving a “promotion” within the Sauber outfit, newly-crowned Formula Renault 3.5 Champion Robin Frijns has been confirmed as the teams new reserve driver. The Dutchman greatly impressed the Swiss outfit during the Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test earlier in the month, whilst testing for Sauber and Red Bull. The Dutchman took three victories on his way to Championship supremacy in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series, whilst racing for Fortec Motorsports.

“I’m very happy the Sauber F1 Team has given me this opportunity.” Enthused Robin Frijns, “I would like to thank Monisha Kaltenborn and Peter Sauber for their belief and trust in me by signing me to join their team as a test and reserve driver. With this opportunity I will try to help the team as much as possible and get the chance to learn how Formula 1 works in an extremely professional environment. I am already very much looking forward to getting the 2013 season started and working together with the team.”

Throughout the 2012 season, Sauber have stepped onto the podium four times with both Sergio Perez and Kamui Kobayashi. Despite coming agonizingly close to victory, particularly at the Malaysian Grand Prix, the team have remained a threat at each race this year. The Swiss outfit will be aiming to continue remaining competitive next season, as Nico Hulkenberg and Esteban Gutierrez strive for success with the outfit.

Picture(s) Copyright © Sauber Motorsport AG

Davide Valsecchi Shines On Final Day Of Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test

Newly-crowned GP2 Champion Davide Valsecchi has ended the Abu Dhabi Young Driver test fastest for Lotus, after setting an impressive 01:42.677 during the third and final day of track action. The Italian driver was followed home by the McLaren of Kevin Magnussen, with Sauber’s Esteban Gutierrez a close 3rd.

Although Kevin Magnussen was 2nd fastest throughout the day, the Dane took over from Briton Oliver Turvey after the morning session. Turvey ended the day 5th fastest overall, with the Red Bull of Robin Frijns between himself and Gutierrez in 4th. The Dutchman had previously driven for Sauber on the opening day, and took over driving duties in the RB8 from Antonio Felix da Costa for the third and final day.

GP2 runner-up Luiz Razia was back in action today for Toro Rosso, ending the day 6th fastest after completing 68 laps around the Yas Marina circuit. The Brazilian driver endued a tough return to track action with the Faenza-based outfit, suffering from fever as he strove to impress after a strong season in the GP2 feeder Series.

Bringing up the rear was American driver Alexander Rossi for Caterham, who also suffered a tough day in the office after suffering from an oil leak after his 14th run. This prevented the 21-year-old from completing any major running in the latter stages of the day, after taking over driving duties from the team’s reserve driver Giedo van der Garde.

This brings an end to the 2012 Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test, after a variation of drivers from GP2, GP3, World Series by Renault and DTM received valuable track action in Formula 1 machinery. The Formula 1 world now prepares to head to Austin in Texas for the United States Grand Prix around the brand-new Circuit of the Americas.

Pos  Driver               Team                Time               Laps
 1.  Davide Valsecchi     Lotus-Renault       1m42.677s           86
 2.  Kevin Magnussen      McLaren-Mercedes    1m42.827s  + 0.150  51
 3.  Esteban Gutierrez    Sauber-Ferrari      1m43.093s  + 0.416  80
 4.  Robin Frijns         Red Bull-Renault    1m43.233s  + 0.556  53
 5.  Oliver Turvey        McLaren-Mercedes    1m43.604s  + 0.927  44
 6.  Luiz Razia           Toro Rosso-Ferrari  1m45.286s  + 2.609  68
 7.  Alexander Rossi      Caterham-Renault    1m46.485s  + 3.808  86

Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service

Robin Frijns: “This Was Hard Work!”

Robins Frijns has experienced a tough first day at the Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test, as the Dutchman got his first true taste of Formula 1 machinery behind the wheel of the Sauber C31. The newly-crowned World Series by Renault Champion ended the day 4th fastest overall, behind Gary Paffett, Antonio Felix da Costa and Kevin Magnussen.

Throughout the morning period, Sauber decided to run aero work with Frijns, as the young Dutchman got to grips with Formula 1 machinery and the Pirelli tyres. Despite his many laps around the Yas Marina circuit, Sauber did not send Frijns out with qualifying fuel level. With the 21-year-old having only run on Michelin tyres before, the Pirelli tyres were completely new to him, therefore presenting a tough challenge for Frijns in the opening day of testing.

“Gosh this was hard work!” Explained Robins Frijns, “Not in the beginning but then suddenly I felt it, especially from the brakes. I am really tired now and know I have to go and exercise more. In the morning we started with installation laps so that I could get used to the car and the steering wheel, which isn’t that easy. In the afternoon I found it hard to understand the tyre compounds. I had only driven on Michelin tyres before, and with the Pirelli medium and soft compounds it was difficult for me after only one lap. I had the feeling the more careful I handled them the worse it became. There is obviously a lot to learn.”

Robin Frijns will relinquish his drive with Sauber for the remaining two days, as reserve driver and GP2 driver Esteban Gutierrez takes over driving duties for the Swiss outfit. Robins Frijns will instead test for Red Bull on the third and final day of the Young Driver Test, taking over from GP3 driver Antonio Felix da Costa.

Picture Copyright © Sauber Motorsport AG

2012 Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test Preview

Only several days after a surprisingly enthralling Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, six Formula 1 teams are now preparing to carry out their Young Driver Test programmes around the Yas Marina circuit. Both Red Bull, McLaren, Lotus, Sauber, Toro Rosso and Caterham will be fielding young drivers from both GP2, GP3 and the World Series by Renault.

Unlike previous years, several teams elected to carry out their respective Young Driver Test programmes earlier in the year at varying venues in Europe. Williams, Marussia and HRT carried out their programmes at Silverstone back in July, whereas Ferrari, Mercedes and Force India carried out theirs back in September at the Magny-Cours circuit in France. However, the majority of the grid have decided to remain true to tradition, and carry out their programmes at the Yas Marina circuit.

Reigning Constructors’ Champions Red Bull will be fielding GP3 star Antonio Felix da Costa, who took three victories this season, and newly-crowned World Series by Renault Champion Robin Frijns. Antonio Felix da Costa will drive on the opening two days of the test, with Dutchman Frijns taking over for the third and final day of testing. McLaren will be running three drivers throughout the test, one for each day. This will include current test and reserve drivers’ Oliver Turvey and Gary Paffett, along with current World Series by Renault driver Kevin Magnussen, son of former F1 driver Jan.

Lotus will also run three drivers on each of the separate days of testing, only several days after clinching their first victory of the season, and the Lotus’s first since the 1987 Detroit Grand Prix. The Enstone-based outfit features a mouth-watering line-up, including Nicolas Prost, son of former multiple-F1 Champion Alain Prost, along with newly-crowned GP2 Champion Davide Valsecchi and current DTM star Edoardo Mortara.

Sauber will be extensively running reserve driver and current GP2 race winner Esteban Gutierrez, as the Mexican driver aims to capitalize on his run during opening practice at India. With many linking Gutierrez to the vacant seat at Sauber next season alongside Nico Hulkenberg, the Mexican will understandably be eager to impress during his two days of testing. However, Robin Frijns will open test with Sauber, before switching to Red Bull for the final day on Thursday.

Toro Rosso will feature an all-GP2 line-up for the three days of testing, including 2012 runner-up Luiz Razia, who previously tested for Force India at their Magny-Cours Young Driver Test in September. The Brazilian driver will take to the track on both Tuesday and Thursday, with Venezuelan GP2 driver Johnny Cecotto jr. set to get behind the wheel of the STR7 on Wednesday.

Caterham will also be running only two drivers during their programme, which will feature current GP2 and reserve driver Giedo van der Garde and World Series by Renault driver Alexander Rossi. Both have driven for the Caterham F1 team during Friday practice this season, and both will be unarguably out to impress with Caterham still undecided on their driving line-up for next season.

List of participating drivers:

Red Bull:

Antonio Felix da Costa (Tuesday, Wednesday)

Robin Frijns (Thursday)

McLaren:

Gary Paffett (TBA)

Oliver Turvey (TBA)

Kevin Magnussen (TBA)

Lotus:

Nicolas Prost (Tuesday)

Edoardo Mortara (Wednesday)

Davide Valsecchi (Thursday)

Sauber:

Robin Frijns (Tuesday)

Esteban Gutierrez (Wednesday, Thursday)

Toro Rosso:

Luiz Razia (Tuesday, Thursday

Johnny Cecotto jr. (Wednesday)

Caterham:

Giedo van der Garde (Tuesday, Wednesday)

Alexander Rossi (Thursday)

Picture Copyright © Pirelli

Toro Rosso Officially Confirm Ricciardo And Vergne For 2013

Toro Rosso have officially confirmed they are retaining both Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne for the 2013 season, confirming rumors that the two were set to stay put at the Faenza-based outfit. Despite a tough 2012 season, the duo have both shone throughout the due course of the season, and are eager to continue improving next season.

Daniel Ricciardo made his debut in Formula 1 last season for HRT at the British Grand Prix, and has since improved greatly up the F1 ladder to Toro Rosso. The Australian driver has so far scored nine points this season, and will undoubtedly be striving to impress next season within the team, especially with the Red Bull presence at the Italian outfit.

“I am really pumped to know that I am continuing with Scuderia Toro Rosso for another season and want to thank the team and Red Bull.” Said Daniel Ricciardo, “There are big expectations for next year and I’m ready and willing to fulfill them. I feel I have been growing and developing as a driver and my approach to the technical side of the sport has also progressed this year, so I am sure that will serve me well in my second season with Toro Rosso. We have had quite a tough season, but despite that, I have always enjoyed a good relationship with all the guys and I am delighted at the idea of working with them for another year.”

Jean-Eric Vergne made his debut this season with Toro Rosso, and after a highly successful season in the World Series by Renault the previous year was tipped as one to watch at the start of the season. Just like team-mate Daniel Ricciardo, the Frenchman managed to score his first points in the early stages of the season. However, since then Vergne has also struggled, although he is adamant of a much more competitive 2013 season.

“I am really happy about this great news.” Enthused Jean-Eric Vergne, “Thank you Toro Rosso and thank you Red Bull, who have backed me since the early days of my career. It has been a difficult season and, as a rookie, I have learned a lot, thanks to the support I got and the excellent relationship I have enjoyed with all the guys. I feel much stronger now and I know I have become a better driver over the course of the season. I really believe in this team and with all the experience I have gained, combined with the team’s ambitious plans for next year, I think we can look forward to great things in 2013, attacking all the way.”

With Toro Rosso announcing both of their drivers for next season, as well as Nico Hulkenberg being confirmed at Sauber for 2013, this still leaves half of the grid for next season unconfirmed. Lotus have yet to confirm Kimi Raikkonen’s team-mate, however it is firmly believed that Romain Grosjean will be retained. Both Force India, Williams, Marussia, Caterham and HRT have yet to confirm their driver line-ups, with Sauber still yet to confirm Hulkenberg’s team-mate.

 Picture Copyright © Toro Rosso F1 Team