Buemi and Kubica to join Alonso at F1 young drivers test but Sainz blocked
Experienced drivers Sebastien Buemi and Robert Kubica will take part in Formula 1’s end-of-season young drivers test in Abu Dhabi, but the FIA have rejected a Ferrari request to run Carlos Sainz.
Two-time F1 world champion Fernando Alonso has been granted permission to take part in the single-day test, originally intended to be for young drivers who had competed in no more than two grands prix.
The decision frustrated a number of teams including Ferrari, who wished to provide its new signing Sainz with some mileage in its current car ahead of his switch to Maranello in 2021, but the governing body the FIA blocked the move.
In addition to 39-year-old Alonso taking part, the FIA has also permitted that Red Bull and Alfa Romeo can use their experienced reserve drivers Buemi and Robert Kubica.
Sebastian Vettel has also been prevented from testing for his new team Racing Point, despite Ferrari being prepared to release the four-time world champion from his contract early in order to do so.
Red Bull will split its running between Buemi and junior team member Juri Vips, who will make his debut in an official F1 test for the Milton Keynes squad.
Vips contested a part-season in Formula Regional European this year and also made a handful of appearances in Formula 2 with the DAMS outfit as a stand-in for the injured Sean Gelael.
"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," said Vips.
"This will be the first time I get to drive a current Formula 1 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.”
F2 runner-up Callum Ilott, who will not graduate to F1 next year, has already been confirmed as driving for Alfa Romeo, while Ferrari will run 2019 Formula 3 champion Robert Shwartzman and Antonio Fuoco.
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