Formula 1

PREVIEW: F1 returns to Silverstone for testing

2 Mins read
World © Octane Photographic Ltd. Sunday 5th July 2015, F1 British GP Race - Grid, Silverstone, UK. Digital Ref: 1340LB5D9822

After an exciting weekend of Formula 1 racing, the teams return to Silverstone for an all-important test which will allow them to gather valuable data on the new 2017 tyres and aerodynamics.

All the teams will be testing at Silverstone with the exception of Sauber, who are under financial constraints and can’t afford to test their cars. There is good news in the pipeline for fans of the team with a proposed takeover to be announced in the summer.

The rulebook states that teams must run young drivers for at least half of their testing throughout the year and with this being the second in-season test there is a mixture of current and new drivers.

Neither Nico Rosberg or Lewis Hamilton will be testing which allows Esteban Ocon to take on driving duties. Pascal Wehrlein will also be in action in a 2014-spec car as he helps evaluate the 2017 Pirelli tyres.

Ferrari will run Kimi Raikkonen in the car following on from his one-year contract extension deal. Joining Raikkonen will be the Ferrari Junior Driver and GP3 leader Charles Leclerc, who drove well for Haas in FP1 at the weekend.

Red Bull racing have given young starlet Pierre Gasly the opportunity to showcase his talents after a strong season so far in GP2.

Williams Martini Racing have chosen Valtteri Bottas and Alex Lynn. With a question mark over Felipe Massa remaining with the team in 2017, Lynn will have to show the Williams bosses why he should be considered for a full time drive.

The underperforming Renault team have gone with Russian Sergey Sirotkin and British driver Jolyon Palmer. The RS16 has been disappointing this season but with team already looking at 2017 anything can happen.

Toro Rosso will see regular driver Carlos Sainz Jr joined by Sergio Sette Camara; with Daniil Kyvat’s seat under pressure Camara needs to prove that he should be considered for the seat.

After a disappointing race weekend, Fernando Alonso returns to the driving seat for McLaren, alongside Stoffel Vandoorne, which could arguably be the 2017 line up if the rumours are true and Jenson Button moves to Williams.

Based just over the road from Silverstone, Force India will be looking to Russian driver Nikita Mazepin to make an impression as they look for the future stars.

With Wehrlein driving for Mercedes, Manor testing line up is 2016 driver Rio Haryanto and British GP2 race winner Jordan King.

Hass F1 will use the services of GP3 driver Santino Ferrucci who takes on the  test and development duties over the two days.

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