Red Bull has confirmed its driver line-up for the post-season test in Abu Dhabi next week, fielding Juri Vips and Sebastien Buemi.
Vips has been part of the Red Bull driver programme since 2018 and has acted as its reserve driver at some races this year.
The Estonian took part in eight Formula 2 races this season as a sub for the injured Sean Gelael, taking a podium finish at Mugello.
Although Vips has tested for Red Bull before, taking part in a 300km test in the RB8 car to acquire his Super Licence, he has never had an outing in up-to-date machinery.
“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity that Aston Martin Red Bull Racing have given me to drive the RB16 at the Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi,” Vips said.
“This will be the first time I get to drive a current Formula One car as I did my 300km in an RB8.
“There will be a lot to learn but I will make sure I prepare as much as I can and it has been good for me to be with the team as reserve driver for the last few races.”
Buemi, who started 55 F1 races with Red Bull’s junior team Toro Rosso from 2009 to 2011, before going on to find success in WEC and Formula E, will also take the car out next week.
“I haven’t driven the car since the Pirelli test last year in Silverstone, so the test in Abu Dhabi is very important to me,” the Swiss driver commented.
“I spend a lot of time working in the simulator and if you get the opportunity to drive the real car it’s much better for the correlation.
“So, I can give feedback on how the simulator behaves compared to the real car. It also gives opportunity for an extra driver to provide feedback to the team. It’s a great opportunity and I’m really looking forward to it.”
The test will take place across one day on Tuesday, December 14 at the Yas Marina Circuit following this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Discussion about this post