Formula Renault 3.5
Three Formula Renault 3.5 Series drivers took part in F1's Young Driver Test at Silverstone earlier this week. Kevin Magnussen (Vodafone McLaren Mercedes), Antonio Felix da Costa (Infiniti Red Bull Racing) and Will Stevens (Caterham F1 Team) all drove in the event, before travelling to Austria for the latest round of the World Series by Renault.
Will Stevens gets first taste of F1
On Thursday, Will Stevens took the wheel of an F1 car for the first time in his career. Stevens completed 98 laps for Caterham F1 Team, with a fastest time of 1:36.082. "My main objective was to gain as much experience as possible," he said. "It was the first time I'd driven an F1 car. And even though I was well prepared, it's still a really big step to take. But to be honest, it didn't take long for me to feel comfortable. I think I did everything the team expected of me, and I learned a lot. Once the tests were over, I flew to the Red Bull Ring. I already can't wait to get behind the wheel of an F1 car again!"
Fastest time for Kevin Magnussen
Kevin Magnussen, currently second in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series, completed his second test for McLaren. The Dane was fastest on day one (Wednesday) with a time of 1:33.602, and completed 101 laps in total. "It was the first time I'd driven an F1 car at Silverstone and it was pretty amazing," he said. "I drove the equivalent of two races. With so few test opportunities in F1 at the moment, it was an invaluable experience. Driving in F1 gives me even more desire to achieve my objective. I want to reach the highest level of motorsport."
Antonio Felix da Costa continues learning process
Antonio Felix da Costa, third in this year's Formula Renault 3.5 Series, spent a day and a half with Infiniti Red Bull Racing and drove a total of 101 laps, with a fastest time of 1:33.821. "It was a fantastic opportunity to drive for half of the three-day test," he said. "It's a good sign, because the team have shown they believe in me and consider me capable of doing this job. Being part of the world championship-winning team is the best experience possible. It wasn't the first time I'd driven in Red Bull Racing's F1 car. It was a familiar environment for me. This round of testing was very important for the team. So I did my job as well as I could, by being consistent and not making mistakes. I think we achieved our goals."
Official Renault Sport Press Release.