Fabio Leimer - Photo Credit: Drew Gibson/GP2 Series Media Service
GP2 driver Fabio Leimer will get his first experience of driving a Formula 1 car in November after Sauber selected him for this season’s Young-Driver Test in Abu Dhabi.
The 22-year-old Swiss driver will partner regular Sauber test and reserve driver Esteban Gutièrrez at the test which takes place at the Yas Marina circuit from 15th to 17th November.
“We are pleased we can offer Fabio this opportunity,” said Monisha Kaltenborn, CEO of the Sauber F1 Team. “The test opportunities for young drivers are extremely limited nowadays, and it is always exciting to see how they deal with all the complexity of a Formula One test.”
Leimer is very much looking forward to his first F1 experience: “When I found out that I will definitely take part in the Formula One test I realised for the first time what this actually means,” he said. “Being a racing driver, of course, you always dream of Formula One. That this dream is now coming true is almost unbelievable.
“On top of that not many Swiss drivers have ever had the chance to test for the Sauber F1 Team. For this reason it is an even more special honour for me to be able to get my first laps in an F1 car under my belt as a Swiss for the Swiss team. I am very much looking forward to that challenge and want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has made it possible.”
