The FIA has introduced {that a} deliberate rookie Dash race to happen on the finish of the season in Abu Dhabi won’t now happen.
Following the summer season break, ow nevertheless, Stefano Domenicali revealed that there had been speak of a one-off Dash to happen as a part of the post-season check in Abu Dhabi.
There’s a venture on the desk,” he advised Motorsport.com, “particularly the opportunity of organising a dash race for younger drivers in Abu Dhabi.
“We’re reflecting on find out how to give younger folks the chance in the course of the Yas Marina check to shine and achieve expertise,” he provides, “not solely by driving within the check, but in addition in a aggressive context. It could definitely assist their coaching, aimed toward making them ready for the following step.
“We are going to discuss it intimately by the top of September to know the feasibility of this concept.”
The groups have been in full assist.
I believe it is nice,” mentioned Haas boss Ayao Komatsu. “You understand, the post-season check, if we do not do issues like that, you might be simply doing the tyre check. So I believe it provides worth to the day and makes it extra thrilling and one other alternative to place younger drivers within the automobile.
“As of late, it is such a uncommon alternative for younger drivers to get within the present System 1 automobile,” he added. “So I believe it is actually an fascinating transfer.”
“I totally agree,” added Stake’s Alessandro Alunni Bravi. “It is vital to provide the rookies extra alternatives, to point out them.
“We all know how a lot it is troublesome to get into System 1,” he continued, “so I believe that FP1 classes are usually not enough to showcase what you are able to do. and there are a number of dangers linked to correct efficiency in FP1 additionally for the crew.
“This can be a very nice alternative. Additionally for us, not having a TPC program it is an extra alternative to have extra information and to evaluate not simply the efficiency itself, additionally the mindset and the method of the rookie driver.”
“It is one thing that I tabled on the final couple of System 1 Fee as a result of I believe it is nice for the younger drivers,” mentioned Christian Horner. “I believe that the issue with a few of the rookie assessments is all of them get used for testing. You by no means know, are they operating on 50 kilos, 70 kilos, 30 kilos of gasoline? What engine mode are they going? You do not actually know. You do not know how the opposition are doing.
“So I believe it is a non-championship race for the junior drivers. I believe it is a unbelievable alternative and I believe that it comes on the finish of a busy season, however opposed to simply operating round burning gasoline and tyres and solely the groups which are operating these drivers figuring out whether or not they’re doing job or to not give probably 10 drivers or 10 rookies the chance of leaping within the present vehicles and having the equal of a Dash race, I believe is unbelievable. And I believe it will be a extremely common occasion.”
Requested if it was seemingly that the Dash will happen on the finish of this season, Horner mentioned: “Nicely, it is like all issues in life: in order for you it to occur, you make it occur.
“I believe there was a transparent directive to say, come on, let’s get the job finished for this yr. And so clearly that places strain on the Sporting Working Teams and the assorted crew managers to work with the FIA to provide you with a set of rules. However I believe primarily adopting Dash regs and so forth, it is eminently doable.
“It does not should be overcomplicated,” he insisted. “I believe it is simply going to be a single automobile from every crew somewhat than two vehicles. And successfully, you are simply utilizing the mileage differently versus, you realize, simply performing over throughout a check day.
“So I believe the occasion will happen all in at some point… a qualifying after which the equal of a dash race. So, yeah, it comes on the finish of a protracted season, however I believe it will be an important factor. It is an important alternative for the younger drivers, and we’re totally supportive of it.”
Nonetheless, at yesterday’s assembly of the F1 Fee it was agreed that it was not possible to carry the occasion this yr and as a substitute it’s hoped to carry the occasion in 2025.
“The idea of a “rookie race” to be added to the 2024 post-season check schedule at Abu Dhabi was mentioned,” mentioned the FIA in a press release.
“Whereas the idea acquired widespread assist, it was decided that resulting from timing and organisational constraints, the occasion wouldn’t happen in 2024, and discussions will proceed to formulate a possible idea and plan for 2025.”
