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Originally posted by Melbourne Park
What garbage. The pity is, you don't even recognize the poor service that Red Bull got from Ferrari with their engines cooling issues. Incidentally, Newey is more than competent on aerodynamics. And so is his staff. The Renault case is a simple example that a team quite willing to spend lots on an engine, was happy to buy the Renault unit. That's testimony to the equality of engines now. They went to the huge trouble of progamming another ECU, when all they had to do was put in an engine they were intimate with. They chose not to.

It's also evidenced about what the teams say about engines - that they are all pretty much the same now. You should read what Mauro Forghieri says about current F1 engines, how totally boring the whole engine thing now is, I presume you've heard of him. If what you say is correct, the Toro Rosso should have been dominant over the RBR3 on low aero tracks. It wasn't.

The facts are that if teams don't do everything available on their engines, they'll go slower. But if they do do everything available, it will not make them much faster than a team that does say 95% of the available work. With the current engine rules, the expenditure / benefit curve peaks quite early and becomes almost flat. Ferrari can afford to do 99%, and not restrict resources from other more productive areas of car improvement. And you can bet that with the top 6 teams, their engine performances will be very similar. But that the ability for the drive wheels to deliver that power will vary much much much more between the teams than will engine performance. And they way to fix those problems is with aero and mechanical development.

I think you have missed the point yet again Melbourne Park, no one was debating the level of service Ferrari gave Red Bull, but rather as you confirmed it was the cooling requirements of the Ferrari unit which was not given to Red Bull by Ferrari in comparison to Renault who may have offered more assistance here. But again if all the engines are the same (as you believe), then so must be their cooling requirements. I think you are not giving Newey enough credit to suggest he needed more help from a rival team regarding the aero of his own design then what Ferrari was giving him.

My point is simply that Newey being an aerodynamicist saw the advantage in the Renault unit over and above the Ferrari one, that can't be debated, i was not commenting on Newey's competences but rather that as an aerodynamicist, if all the engines were the same why the big drama from Newey to adopt the Renault unit? This cannot be based on service alone but rather the aero limitations due to the Ferrari engines cooling requirements. This was the key comment from Newey and if you look at the current Ferrari design compared to the Renault, which team has greater levels of cooling apendiges on their body work??? The answer is for all to see.

As for your ECU comment...you will find that Ferrari and Renault used the same system, so not a big work load here to change the engines over, certainly not a "huge trouble" as you suggested.

As for your comments regarding Mauro Forghieri, yes he is well known, he is commenting on the many FIA restrictions which have shifted focus away from engines to aero, and yes the engines are very similar to each other which is a product of the FIA rules, but by no means are they identical, if they were and there was no room for development he would be out of the job.

Here is an extract from an interview with Newey regarding the engines of 2007, not 2008.

Q: Given that the engine regulations are much more restrictive now than then, how much value does that extra data add?

AN: Engine development in the hardware sense is obviously restricted with the frozen regulations, but there’s still an awful lot in the way the engine is operated that is crucially important, and that’s where I think our relationship with Renault will pay dividends.

That's straight from the horses mouth regarding engine development potential. The interview also goes on with Newey siting the number of differences between the units, most notably in the cooling requirements.

As for your point on Torro Rosso and Red Bull; Torro Rosso is the sister team of Red Bull, i would have assumed you knew that, in which case you would also know that Torro Rosso was a number of evolutions of car development behind Red Bull as Red Bull supply them with the entire car, from chassis to aero. But the one aspect of the car which is different is the engine. In actual fact the Torro Rosso car is a year old Red Bull for the most part with a number of refinements; regardless its aero effciency is somewhat behind the Red Bull.

So to prove a point lets look at the top speed trap times on a power circuit or low aero circuit as you suggested...Monza. Vettel was consistently 3 kph faster at every intermediate then the next best Red Bull car (Webber). Now this does not tell the full story obviously but it is indicative that for a car effectively carrying an older version of Red Bulls own aero, that even given the loss in aero efficiency to the Red Bull they had faster speed trap results. The engine difference may, just may have played a part in this dont you think?

So although the Torro Rosso was not as good overall compared to the Red Bull, in the area where engine performance can be seen the most and between two manufacturers who develop their engines to their fullest capacity, at a low aero track the Torro Rosso was faster in the straight line... Blows your theory out of the water. Especially once you consider that Red Bull was using up to date Renault spec engines, whereas the Torro Rosso outfit were contractually receiving a prior evolution of the Ferrari engine, and yet still faster on the low aero circuit...hmmmm

Let's gain some clarification here, no one is saying that engine performance is the only measure of performance, my comments were in response to yours, in that and i quote..."engines are not an issue now."

My point was simply they are more an issue in 2008 then in 2007 and that their importance in the entire package should not be discounted due to the significant knock on effects they create both for aero efficiency, tyre wear and of course the combination of this is overall car speed. If it were no longer an issue as you stated, then the top manufacturers, Ferrari, McLaren, BMW, Renault, Toyota, etc would re allocate all their spending from engines to either aero or mechanical R&D...funnily enough, they don't so therefore they are an issue unless all these teams just like to spend money for no reward...before you start, leave Toyota alone because they were nice enough to setup the retirement funds of Mike Gascoyne and Ralfy Boy.

If you don't agree with the above which was the core aspect of my response before you decided to take it somewhat off course (for obvious reasons) then state your reasoning. But i take it from your earlier response that you do agree.

As you stated "The facts are that if teams don't do everything available on their engines, they'll go slower. But if they do do everything available, it will not make them much faster than a team that does say 95% of the available work."

This is very true, an increase in engine performance will not make a team much faster, but i think we can all agree it will make then faster. The most important point to consider is that TC masked a lot of the power delivery problems with many units, now however with TC gone engine power delivery is even more important, hence you will expect to see more expenditure on engines in 2007 winter testing and throughout 2008 then you did during the TC era as the expenditure pay back is far greater then before.

I don't think this can be debated. If you try to debate it then that would be as you say, total 'garbage'.

Some of these posts are hilarious.

Do have to laugh at comments like "he hasn't produced a Monza 2008 type performance yet." What do you expect the guy to do? Back then, Vettel had an Adrian Newey chassis AND a better engine than even Red Bull themselves had. Ricciardo has neither of those luxuries. I think the fact that he has qualified in the top ten for four consecutive races in a far inferior car shows you that he is quick.

And the inexperienced argument is funny too. Applying that logic, Vettel, Hamilton and Raikkonen and possibly even Alonso wouldn't have gotten their big break.

Pardon my french. What I meant to say was that during YDT and both drivers' efforts during the season have proven great deal speed but not the level of consistency and maturity. Overall not enough raw skill for RBR seat IMHO. At least not yet. In terms of points Vergne has actually more points from 2011 and 2012. If you look what Vettel did on his journey at STR (points + pole&win @ Monza 2008) neither driver is there. Kimi's first season with Sauber was huge as well.

I agree the consistency is not quite there yet, but that is also partly masked by the poor strategy STR give both drivers (e.g. DR would have finished 4th/5th at Silverstone if they pitted him at the same time as Rosberg/Webber etc not to mention poor pitstops). Overall not enough raw skill? Right...if you look at the times at YDT you can see that DR was only 3 tenths behind Vettel's best lap on new hards while Vettel did his on new mediums (fuel loads aside). If cannot see that DR has been putting the TR where is doesn't belong i.e. top 10 then do you expect poles or top 3's from them in a car that is midfield. There are IMO at least 10 cars quicker than the TRs this season.

Comparing Vettel's STR to today's STR is a joke. Vettel had the best rain chassis that year - one built by Newey and the most powerful engine at Monza. Heck Bourdais would have qualified third if Webber hadn't pipped him at the end. Not to mention the competition is much stronger now. Neither driver is there because the car isn't there yet DR has shown that he can put the car where is doesn't belong.

As to points where Vergne was ahead of Ricciardo, you just look at the points rather than the story. Korea, DR was way ahead of Vergne before brake problems and would have had more points. Monza DR's car failed on the last lap when he was in the points again. Vergne is very good in mixed conditions, the only weakness right now I see of DRs but other than that DR has him covered everywhere else.

Some of these polls, whether it be forum polls or the FB poll that RB created is always going to be in favor of Kimi as he has been an established driver and would have far more fans anyway.

He ripped Alonso a new one in his rookie season, and half a dozen drivers on the grid could have done what Vettel has done in those Newey Rocketships.

If they all drove the same cars, Hamilton would soon be banned from the sport...;)

I've heard of one eyed fans... you must have no eyes.

Forgot to mention that Button beat Hamilton in 2011, not just tied on points. So does that make Button the best?

1. Alonso.

Of all his teammates, none ever came close except Hamilton. Almost won in 2010 and 2012 with cars that were probably 3rd fastest, and definitely behind the RBRs. Been a bit sill this year, actually. Malaysia ha should have felt the wing falling off. Still, best driver of the post-Schumacher era.

2. Raikkonen.

The post 2012 model Kimi seems to be the smoothest driver out there. He was naturally faster than Alonso before 2006, but has kind of turned into Mr. Consistency and is good with the tyres. Just how he was able to take 3rd after a comeback when Schumacher was floundering... very skilled. Still, he lost to Massa in 2008.

3. Vettel.

Yes he had Newey rockets and is an annoying person, but he just keeps on winning somehow. Monza 2008, his comeback in Brazil 2012. Still, unchallenged by a truly competitive teammate.

4. Hamilton.

Equaled Alonso in 2007, but has been fast but fairly inconsistent since. Only just won in 2008 against Massa, had too many brain fades in 2010 and 2011 and has only just made himself into a driver as consistent as Alonso in 2012. Lost to Button in 2011.

5. Rosberg.

Three years in Mercedes and he beat the legend Schumacher by a wide margin every single year. Seems to be almost matching Hamilton at Mercedes.

i hv no idea why hamilton is labeled as fastest driver when he has been driving a winning car all the time?? With such error prone, and inconsistency, i rather opt for Alonso + Kimi or kimi+vettel !!

raikkonen is literally the only "good driver" to not win a title with Newey.

On the other hand Hamilton has been getting screwed over by his RE and TP for the last few years. Plus he is a lot more consistently fast than raikonen.

unsettled by massa?? rather kimi was having a tough year in 2008 when a few of his wins results in unfortunate event!! Canada, France, Belgium~~~

Canada - some wooden eye crash into him from the pitlane

France - exhaust pipe failure

SPa- raining on last lap, wrong tyre, no grip = crash

There were A LOT more races where raikkonen was complete garbage - Australia, Turkey, Monza, Singapore (that was hilariously bad), Hockenheim, Monaco, etc.

Well, I care and that STR win with a newey-copy-car was lame.
 
It's not healthy if customer cars beat some of the constructor teams, possibly killing them off. It can end up like American open-wheels which is cheap and, for me, boring.

That was the exception to the rule, more often than not the customer teams will not beat the constructors. And it was fortunate because it resulted in Vettel's promotion to Red Bull and fast-tracked his career. How many other drivers have seemed to be terrific but never had a proper car to demonstrate their speed?

In all honesty, I can't find a single rational downside to how Vettel and STR won Monza 2008.

 

This is a gross oversimplification. Falling from winning 9 races in a row to not win a single one with a car that was firmly placed 2nd in the WCC and which his team rookie teammate won numerous races with is not simply natural change/decline. Getting beaten over one lap at 29 by a 37-year-old not known for his qualifying heroics is not simply natural change/decline. There is much more to this story.

 

Also, about that win in the Toro Rosso - probably one of the most overhyped wins in the history of F1. We have discussed this already here in the topic. That car was basically a Red Bull on steroids. It was a Newey designed chassis with a powerful Ferrari engine strapped to its back. Even Christian Horner confirmed that that car was better than the RB4 at that point. Just look at Bourdais - despite being practically nowhere during the entire season, he qualified 4th for that race. That weekend, the Toro Rosso was the car to beat. Yes, it was a very good first win from a young Vettel who kept it together until the flag. But it always amazes me how posterity treats that win like it was achieved with the equivalent of a 2021 Haas.

 

I really think it's just what others have mentioned - narrow operating window, when everything suited him, he was a beast, when things didn't suit him, he was more erratic (and his other weaknesses that I agree he has always had, became more pronounced)

 

I think the explanation that he "never had it", or "just isn't that good" is just as big of an oversimplification, when Vettel's performances against same teammates vary so much, from one year to another (eg. against Kimi 2015-2017). I'm fairly convinced that if you stick Ricciardo in the 2013 Red Bull instead of Webber, he wouldn't have beaten Vettel, but if you put Webber in the 2014 Red Bull, he probably would get much closer than he was in 2013.

 

As for the Toro Rosso in 2008. The car was obviously good, but it really only became a Q3 contender in the second half of the season, and it was then when Vettel started to really outperform Bourdais. So again - big difference in Vettel's performance once the car got updated (although you could also argue that it was Bourdais who underperformed, he was fast at certain tracks, but couldn't get a result in... Also due to some bad luck).

 

In dry conditions it was still far off Mclaren, Ferrari, BMW, maybe on par with Renault and Toyota. It was among the fastest in the wet in Monza, but he also outqualified Bourdais by about a second, and dominated the race. "Overhyped" I mean ok, maybe, but it's understandable, no? It was a first win for Toro Rosso and Vettel, it was entirely on merit, he was praised in the same manner Lewis was praised for 2007 Fuji or 2008 Silverstone ("maturity", while more experienced rivals were dropping the ball). And you know, it was sort of "arriving on the scene" moment.

 

The Mclaren was also a fast car during that quali session, so why didn't Lewis, the rainmaster and future GOAT do better? Well, he eliminated himself by trying to go on inters at the start of Q2, and then missed the best of conditions (while Massa, who made the same mistake managed to squeeze in).

Actually it's not quite unique.  As a very perceptive commenter pointed out in 2011...

 

 

Take a look at Ascari's grid positions and wins.  It's of course not directly comparable, given the ease of overtaking, the more bunched-up grids (in some races, 7th would see you on the second row - and a second row considerably closer to pole than today), and the consequent lack of many bothering to get pole for the sake of a statistic (I think Reims was a valuable pole because of the 100 bottles of bubbly that came with it).

 

But Ascari had 9 wins from pole, 3 from 2nd, and 1 from 3rd. 

And the first race he lost in his big run of 9 consecutive was Reims - where he was in a slipstreaming battle.  And was beaten by team-mate Hawthorn in it.  Then in a similar event at Monza he got involved in a crash with the lapped Marimon while the canny Fangio finagled his way through.

 

I agree that it's not really comparable due to various reasons. But aside from that, the issue with Vettel here is that, as PlayboyRacer duly pointed it out, he is supposed to be up there with the absolute legends of this sport, a tier above the likes of Hakkinen, Ascari or Fittipaldi (and this is coming from a lifelong fan of Mika). 

 

It's not that unique actually.

Hakkinen won 20% of his races leading from start to finish and a handful where Coulthard led only for a couple of laps.

You can also see that almost all of his wins came in the same fashion as Vettel's. Same applies for Villeneuve's wins.

 

Obviously when you qualify upfront consistently, you will consistently find yourself in the best spot to have a clean race. If anything it's a quality, I don't understand why this should be highlighted as a weakness necessarily.

Perhaps Fernando, while a better driver overall, has never been the quickest in qualifying and then had to compensate this weakness by battling it through the field, for instance.

 

I think there were magical moments in Vettel's career. 

Starting with his first win in Monza. Yes he led, but it was a very special debut win. Winning 9 races is a big highlight. And once again demonstrates how consistent he could be. Yes it was a dominant car, but nobody else has ever come close to that record. Hamilton was arguably driving even more dominant cars in 2014,2015,2016, 2019 and never came close to that. Neither did Schumacher in 2002/2004.

 

 

Just looking at stats does not always tell the whole story.

Kimi and Rubens won from the back of the grid. They were great victories, really flashy. Vettel does not have wins like this.

But those were unique circumstances and everything has to come together for it to happen. While an absolutely epic win in Suzuka 2005, it really should have been a walk in the park in normal circumstances, as there was no competition in terms of speed to that Mclaren/Kimi, apart from Alonso.

 

 

Races like Spa 1995, etc. are special  precisely because they are unique. Surely extortionary drivers like Schumacher had them. But even for them it was not a regular thing. You can't expect every driver to have races like that. And that is the reason why those are remembered.

 

Regarding Monza 2008 it was an absolutely brilliant race and win by Sebastian. It's up there with the best performances of any given driver during the modern F1 era.

 

He outqualified his teammate by almost a second and in the race completely outperformed him and everybody else from start to finish.

 

It's an arhetypical Vettel's victory: great qualifying, great start and total race control.

 

Yes, conditions suited the car, the rain helped to somewhat equalize the field. But he delivered in style and not having to rely on luck, technical problems of his competitors, etc. Ferrari with the same engine was nowhere to be seen that race, I don't think anybody would argue that Ferrari that year was arguably the best all around package. And Mclaren was was very good too, also in wet.

 

Besides, what is the car to beat concept? Mercedes has been the car to beat in 99% of the races since 2014. Ferrari was the car to beat in 2001-2004. Does it devalues all those victories? I don't think so. 

 

And it was not a fluke or very lucky win, like let's say Monza 2020 (even though I think Gasly drove very well still) or Canada 2008. And if it's not a fluke win then obviously the car has to be competitive on a certain circuit. It's like saying that Renault was the car to beat in Hungary 2003 or Arrows in 1997. Yes, in a way they were. But they were all brilliant drives.

 

It's very likely one of the most impressive maiden victories, does not matter how you try to spin it. If it's overhyped winning in Toro Rosso in merit, what does it make of let's say Leclerc's maiden victory at Spa, running an engine on steroids.

 

Who won a race as maiden win in a worse car? As you mentioned Leclerc won in an overpowered Ferrari, Lewis in a McLaren. The framing overpowered Newey car is just a way too downplay a great achievement. It was still a Torro Rosso and a midfield car that year that was very competitive in that particular  race. It wasn't a fluke win either helped by a safety car, it was won on pure pace. Newey did not create a world beater every year. I don't see want kind of argument that is - at all.

Looking at this as objectively as I can Vettel simply hasn't adjusted to the current regs. He is a top driver, no doubt, but then again so are most of the grid.

In my opinion he isn't a great yet though. Had he won championships with two teams, through different regs, or regularly competed at the sharp end in machinery that didn't deserve it, I'd change my mind.

Make no mistake the Red Bull in 2014 is a great car. Riciardo is proving that. And he's beating Vettel without much difficulty it appears.

I hypothesise that perhaps Vettel cannot compete against the current grid without the exhaust trickery that Newey produced.

And don't throw Monza 2008 at me...

 

 

The only thing I'll throw at you is that it is way too early to judge. So far their best result has come from Vettel.

Looking at this as objectively as I can Vettel simply hasn't adjusted to the current regs. He is a top driver, no doubt, but then again so are most of the grid.

In my opinion he isn't a great yet though. Had he won championships with two teams, through different regs, or regularly competed at the sharp end in machinery that didn't deserve it, I'd change my mind.

Make no mistake the Red Bull in 2014 is a great car. Riciardo is proving that. And he's beating Vettel without much difficulty it appears.

I hypothesise that perhaps Vettel cannot compete against the current grid without the exhaust trickery that Newey produced.

And don't throw Monza 2008 at me...

 

I think this needs to be addressed. The Toro Rosso of 2008 was designed by Newey, and had the more powerful Ferrari engine. Sebastien Bourdais, who got sacked from Toro Rosso for being crap, managed to put his Toro Rosso on the second row that GP. So, it clearly wasn't a "slow car".

Thank you

 

I too think that it's very important it's addressed that Adrian Newey, the designer who failed to come up with a championship winning car for almost a decade, designed the Toro Rosso that a brilliant Sebastian Vettel drove to an unprecedented win in Monza that year.

 

Credit where credit is due, right

Fact is Webber and Vettel have driven this teams performance through the roof. Webber, Newey, Coulthard and now Vettel have built this team into world beaters.

That's an assertion not backed by history, mate.

Webber is a specialist in driving his teams to bankrupt [Minardi, Jaguar], while Vettel is some kind of King Midas.

I would like to highlight 2008, when the development skills of Webber made RedBull fall through the grid, while Vettel took ToroRosso, the scoundrels of Webber's Minardi and won Monza.


Leave Webber and Horner on their own and the team will do a 2008 again.

I hope Vettel leaves RB e goes to Mercedes, since he is not having fun at RB anymore.

I have to agree in many instances with slideways and especially jez33. As I said after the race in Korea and agreeing with Sir Jack, Webber lost the championship right there and then. All he had to do is keep the car on the tarmac and bring home a good load of points and the championship was almost in the bag.

Things learned from both drivers:

- Webber has bogey tracks (Vettel does not though this year he improved his Valencia showing speed wise, race was a completely different story)
- Webber does not have the mental toughness going into the end of a championship despite what everyone says (the same reason why he did not win F3000, in Korea and Abu Dhabi he did not like he even wanted to be there)
- Webber is too cautious when in the lead causing Monza and Valencia to end up being poor races when he should have made the most of it.
- Webber has improved his consistency (but is still crash happy) but needs to improve it to the point where he is making the maximum out of the car 5 races straight etc. and not 2 littered with poor finishes the next event after
- Webber needs to improve his starts
- Webber can play the political game off track and is blunt, but sometimes it does not help his situation (Brazil, rumoured McLaren drive to replace Alonso)

- Vettel is blindingly quick (I always thought Webber was superfast in qualifying hammering his old team-mates, but after Vettel has done the same to him there is no question Vettel is quick)
- Vettel needs to improve his racecraft (something Webber is much better at despite his crashes and being marginal at times on the racetrack)
- Vettel needs to improve his mental toughness during the race
- Vettel needs to be less of car breaker to help his own chances (Barcelona comes to mind, running over kerbs both in Turkey Qly and Monza)

- Both drivers are brillant when out in front.

What I noticed and a lot of reasons why Webber finished ahead of his team-mates was he was able to qualify ahead and have car position. Except whenever Webber was crash happy and inconsistent - part of reason why Heidfield was able to outscore him during his season at Williams. Now the tables are turned, except Vettel is much quicker and able to match/go faster than Webber.

All this time, I too thought Webber would make the step up with the tier 1 guys i.e. Hamilton, Alonso and yes I'll put Vettel in that bracket once he improves his racecraft, but this hasn't happened. He is not fast enough on all tracks and that will put him at a disadvantage every time. I expect him to have another great year next year but I don't see him mounting a WDC without improving in all those areas. It will be even harder with KERs being introduced as this will play more into Vettel's hands.

It was a great season for Webber but is slowly disintegrated which is what is most disappointing. He is still a brillant driver but IMO will never be considered part of the elite tier 1 group.

Hamilton/Alonso/Vettel
Webber/Kubica/Rosberg
Button (While Button is a brillant strategic racer, he will never have the speed that those guys have above unless the car is absolutely in the sweet spot for him, otherwise he can be way off the pace)
Massa (Excellent 2008 but does not have the pace, consistency and was/isn't great in the rain. I've never considered him worthy of the Ferrari drive in the first place)
....

As DC says, you are only as good as your last race. Given Webber's last race of the season was pretty much his worst of the whole season both in qualifying and race you can see why all fans feel like he isn't as good as he was mid-season. Opinions will change again next year, that's how fickle we all are. If Newey produces another stunner next year which I bet he will, Vettel IMO will be on his way to his next championship.

Hey, at least it wasn't a drubbing like Alonso gave to Fisi once he got his hands on a top car. We know that Webber can compete at the front and dominate races. He just needs to do that more often.

As I said after the race in Korea and agreeing with Sir Jack, Webber lost the championship right there and then. All he had to do is keep the car on the tarmac and bring home a good load of points and the championship was almost in the bag.

Things learned from both drivers:

- Webber has bogey tracks (Vettel does not though this year he improved his Valencia showing speed wise, race was a completely different story)
- Webber does not have the mental toughness going into the end of a championship despite what everyone says (the same reason why he did not win F3000, in Korea and Abu Dhabi he did not like he even wanted to be there)
- Webber is too cautious when in the lead causing Monza and Valencia to end up being poor races when he should have made the most of it.
- Webber has improved his consistency (but is still crash happy) but needs to improve it to the point where he is making the maximum out of the car 5 races straight etc. and not 2 littered with poor finishes the next event after
- Webber needs to improve his starts
- Webber can play the political game off track and is blunt, but sometimes it does not help his situation (Brazil, rumoured McLaren drive to replace Alonso)

- Vettel is blindingly quick (I always thought Webber was superfast in qualifying hammering his old team-mates, but after Vettel has done the same to him there is no question Vettel is quick)
- Vettel needs to improve his racecraft (something Webber is much better at despite his crashes and being marginal at times on the racetrack)
- Vettel needs to improve his mental toughness during the race
- Vettel needs to be less of car breaker to help his own chances (Barcelona comes to mind, running over kerbs both in Turkey Qly and Monza)

- Both drivers are brillant when out in front.

What I noticed and a lot of reasons why Webber finished ahead of his team-mates was he was able to qualify ahead and have car position. Except whenever Webber was crash happy and inconsistent - part of reason why Heidfield was able to outscore him during his season at Williams. Now the tables are turned, except Vettel is much quicker and able to match/go faster than Webber.

All this time, I too thought Webber would make the step up with the tier 1 guys i.e. Hamilton, Alonso and yes I'll put Vettel in that bracket once he improves his racecraft, but this hasn't happened. He is not fast enough on all tracks and that will put him at a disadvantage every time. I expect him to have another great year next year but I don't see him mounting a WDC without improving in all those areas. It will be even harder with KERs being introduced as this will play more into Vettel's hands.

It was a great season for Webber but is slowly disintegrated which is what is most disappointing. He is still a brillant driver but IMO will never be considered part of the elite tier 1 group.

Hamilton/Alonso/Vettel
Webber/Kubica/Rosberg
Button (While Button is a brillant strategic racer, he will never have the speed that those guys have above unless the car is absolutely in the sweet spot for him, otherwise he can be way off the pace)
Massa (Excellent 2008 but does not have the pace, consistency and was/isn't great in the rain. I've never considered him worthy of the Ferrari drive in the first place)
....

As DC says, you are only as good as your last race. Given Webber's last race of the season was pretty much his worst of the whole season both in qualifying and race you can see why all fans feel like he isn't as good as he was mid-season. Opinions will change again next year, that's how fickle we all are. If Newey produces another stunner next year which I bet he will, Vettel IMO will be on his way to his next championship.

Hey, at least it wasn't a drubbing like Alonso gave to Fisi once he got his hands on a top car. We know that Webber can compete at the front and dominate races. He just needs to do that more often.

Agree with all of what you say pretty much. But the best thing about your post is that it's balanced & objective imho. You acknowledge both driver's. Compliment their strengths & point out their weaknesses in your opinion. A pity some others can't look at things in the same manner that you do.

Vettel’s 2008 Monza win was MASSIVELY over-hyped. If you actually sit down, and look at the facts of the weekend, you will come to the realization that it wasn’t that amazing at all.

And the car should have been DQed for the entire season because it used RBR/Newey IP. <- My unpopular opinion.

REVISED Test Drivers
Formula One Test Drivers Archive

This is an attempt at archiving all instances of a driver testing a contemporary Formula One car. It includes official test drivers, Friday test drivers, one-off test drivers, and so on. It does not include instances of a regular driver testing during the off-season. Descriptions of the tests will appear in the future. Please post any missing testers in the Test Drivers thread in GF1’s Nostalgia Forum

Thanks in particular to the members of TBK/TBK Light for their assistance in posting pictures of many of the tests. Credit also to 8W’s test driver archive.

AGS
Didier Pironi (1986)
Ivan Capelli (1986)

Alfa Romeo
Giovanni-Batista Guidotti (1930s)
Consalvo Sanesi (1946-1951, 1953-1954)
Eddie Cheever (1983)
Giorgio Francia (1985-1986)
Pierre Dieudonne (1981)
Rene Arnoux (1986)
Stirling Moss (1951)
Teodoro Zeccoli (1978-1980)
Vittorio Brambilla (1978-1980)

Arrows/Footwork
Antônio Pizzonia (2002)
Alessandro Zanardi (1991)
Allen Berg (1984)
Barry Sheene (1978)
Darren Turner (1997)
David Brabham (1992-1993, 1996)
Emmanuel Collard (1998)
Gaston Mazzacane (2000)
Gregor Foitek (1989)
Hannu Mikkola (1984)
Jari Nurminen (1986)
Johnny Herbert (2001)
Jörg Müller (1994, 1997)
Jos Verstappen (1993)
Kelvin Burt (1996)
Kenny Bräck (1996)
Mark Webber (1999-2000)
Martin Brundle (1997)
Mika Hakkinen (1993)
Paul Stewart (1993)
Paul Warwick (1989)
Pedro Lamy (1995)
Perry McCarthy (1991)
Pierre Dieudonné (1985) Donnington
Sebastien Bourdais (2002)
Stephen Watson (1998)
Tom Coronel (1999)

Aston Martin
Reg Parnell (1955)

BAR (see also Tyrrell / Honda)
Adam Carroll (2004-2005)
Alan Van der Merwe (2004-2005)
Anthony Davidson (2001-2005)
Björn Wirdheim (2003)
Darren Manning (2000-2003)
Enrique Bernoldi (2004)
James Rossiter (2004) [Photo 2004]
Jean-Christophe Boullion (1999)
Kosuke Matsuura (2002)
Marc Hynes (2000)
Nelson Piquet Jr (2005)
Patrick Lemarié (1999-2003)
Ralph Firman (2002)
Ryo Fukuda (2002)
Takuma Sato (2001, 2003)
Tony Kanaan (2005)
Townsend Bell (2003)

Benetton (see also Toleman / Renault)
Alessandro Nannini (1987, 1996)
Alessandro Zanardi (1992-1993)
Alex Caffi (1987)
Alexander Wurz (1996-1997)
Allan McNish (1993-1995)
Andrea Montermini (1992)
Andy Wallace (1986)
Damon Hill (1988)
David Coulthard (1992)
David Hunt (1988)
Emanuele Pirro (1997)
Emmanuel Collard (1995)
Fernando Alonso (2001-2002)
Gary Brabham (1988)
Giancarlo Fisichella (1996)
Giorgio Pantano (2000)
Giovanna Amati (1986)
Giovanni Bonanno (1992)
Hidetoshi Mitsusada (2000)
Jackie Stewart (1989)
Jason Watt (1998)
Johnny Dumfries (1987-1990)
Johnny Herbert (1987, 1989)
Jordi Gene (1993)
Jos Verstappen (1993-1994, 1998)
King Constantine II of Greece (1990)
King Hussein of Jordan (1990)
Laurent Redon (1999)
Luca Badoer (1993)
Mark Webber (2000-2001)
Martin Brundle (1997)
Martin Donnelly (1987)
Maurizio Sandro Sala (1986)
Mika Hakkinen (1990)
Olivier Gavin (1997-1998?)
Paolo Barilla (1986-1987)
Paul Belmondo (1993)
Paul Stewart (1990)
Paul Tracy (1994)
Perry McCarthy (1992)
Roberto Moreno (1990)
Roberto Ravaglia (1988)
Stefano Modena (1987)
Vincenzo Sospiri (1996)

BMW Sauber (see also Sauber)
Alessandro Zanardi (2006)
Andy Priaulx (2008)
Augusto Farfus Jr (2007)
Christian Klien (2008)
Christian Vietoris (2007)
Graham Rahal (2008)
Ho-Pin Tung (2008)
Javier Villa (2008)
Marco Holzer (2006)
Marko Asmer (2008)
Nigel Mansell (2007)
Philipp Eng (2008)
Robert Kubica (2006)
Sebastian Vettel (2006-2007)
Timo Glock (2007)

To come (2008 Formula BMW World Final winner):
Alexander Rossi (2009)

BMW Sauber currently awards the winner of the Formula BMW World Final with an F1 test at the World Final the following year

Brabham
Ayrton Senna (1983)
Barry Sheene (1985)
Cees Siewertsen (1974)
Christian Danner (1983)
Corrado Fabi (1982)
Davy Jones (1983)
Elio de Angelis (1985)
Emanuele Pirro (1985)
Franco Uncini (1985)
Gary Brabham (1989)
Gunnar Nilsson (1975)
Hans-Joachim Stuck (1982)
Hector Rebaque (1981)
Ivan Capelli (1983)
Jackie Stewart (1978)
Josele Garza (1987)
Marco Lucchinelli (1985) Paul Ricard Nov 85
Mauro Baldi (1983)
Paolo Barilla (1984)
Pierluigi Martini (1983)
Roberto Guerrero (1983)
Stirling Moss (1983)
Thierry Boutsen (1981)
Tony Trimmer (1989)
Willy T. Ribbs (1985)

BRM
Jose Frolian Gonzalez (1952)
Juan Manuel Fangio (1952)
Ken Richardson (1940s-1950s)
Ken Wharton (1951)
Patrick Neve (1976)
Ron Flockhart (1954-1959)
Stirling Moss (1952, 1954-1956, 1959)

Coloni
Antonio Tamburini (1991)
Enzo Coloni (1987)
Luis Perez-Sala (1987)
Pedro Matos Chaves (1990)

Connaught
Stirling Moss (1954)

DAMS
Erik Comas (1995-1996)
Jan Lammers (1995)

Dome
Shinji Nakano (1996)
Marco Apicella (1996)
Michael Krumm (1996)
Naoki Hattori (1996)

Ensign
Arie Luyendijk (1975?)
Ole Vejlund (1974)

Ferrari
Alessandro Nannini (1992)
Andrea Montermini (1991)
Andrea Bertolini (2004-2008?)
Carlos Reutemann (1995, 2004)
Daniele Amaduzzo (1980s)
Dario Benuzzi (1988, 1991)
Eddie Cheever (1977)
Eddie Irvine (1995)
Edoardo Piscopo (2008)
Elio de Angelis (1978)
Fabrizio Giovanardi (2001)
Felipe Massa (2003)
Gerhard Berger (1986)
Giancarlo Fisichella (1995/6?)
Gianfranco Brancatelli (1975)
Gianni Morbidelli (1989-1993, 1997)
JJ Lehto (1989, 1992) Oct. 89 Estoril
Johnny Dumfries (1985)
Luca Badoer (1998-2008)
Luciano Burti (2002-2004)
Marc Gene (2004-2008)
Martino Severi (1959-1960)
Max Biaggi (1997, 1999)
Michele Alboreto (1983)
Mirko Bortolotti (2008)
Nicola Larini (1992-1998)
Richie Ginther (1960)
Roberto Moreno (1988-1989, 1998?)
Salvatore Cicatelli (2008)
Valentino Rossi (2004-2006, 2008)

In 2008, Ferrari awarded the top 3 drivers in the Italian Formula 3 Championship with a test. This may continue in the future

FIRST (see also Life)
Gabriele Tarquini (1989)

Force India (see also Spyker)
Christian Klien (2007)
Franck Montagny (2007)
Pedro de la Rosa (2008)
Ralf Schumacher (2007)
Roldan Rodriguez (2007)
Vitantonio Liuzzi (2007-2008)

Forti
Frank Lagorce (1996)

Hesketh
Harvey Postlethwaite (1974)

Honda (see also BAR)
Adam Carroll (2006)
Alan van der Merwe (2006)
Alexander Wurz (2008)
Andreas Zuber (2007)
Anthony Davidson (2006, 2008, also 2007?)
Bruno Senna (2008)
Cameron McConville (2008) - last person to test Honda F1 car
Christian Klien (2007)
Giorgio Mondini (2006)
Hisashi Tsukahara (2008)
James Rossiter (2006-2007/2008?)
Jos Verstappen (1999)
Luca Filippi (2007)
Lucas di Grassi (2008)
Marco Andretti (2006)
Mike Conway (2007-2008?)
Nicolas Minassian (1999)
Riccardo Patrese (2008)
Ronnie Bucknum (1963-1964)
Satoru Nakajima (1993)
Takashi Kogure (2008)

Jaguar (see also Stewart / Red Bull)
Andre Lotterer (2000-2003)
Björn Wirdheim (2004)
Christian Danner (2001)
Dario Franchitti (2000)
Fernando Alonso (2002)
James Courtney (2002-2003) - did not test again after injury at Monza
Luciano Burti (2000)
Martin Brundle (2004)
Narain Karthikeyan (2001)
Niki Lauda (2002) - the Austrian’s first taste of an F1 car in years
Pedro De La Rosa (2001)
Tomas Scheckter (2000-2001)
Townsend Bell (2003)

Jordan (see also Midland)
Andrew Gilbert-Scott (2000, 2003?)
Anthony Davidson (2005)
Björn Wirdheim (2003)
Brian Hart (1994)
Chanoch Nissany (2004)
Christijan Albers (2004)
Colin McRae (1996)
Darren Turner (1997)
David Kennedy (1999)
Derek Daly (2004)
Emmanuel Collard (1995)
Emanuele Naspetti (1993)
Fabrizio de Simone (1996)
Franck Montagny (2005)
Gianni Morbidelli (1996)
Jaroslav Janis (2003)
Jason Tahinci (2005)
Jean-Christophe Bouillion (1995?-1996)
John Watson (1990)
Jos Verstappen (1999)
Juichi Wakisaka (1998)
Justin Wilson (2001)
Kelvin Burt (1994)
Laurent Aïello (1995)
Marcel Lasee (2002)
Mario Dominguez (2004-2005?) - was reported as securing a Jordan F1 drive
Martin Brundle (1995, 1999)
Martin Donnelly (1993)
Narain Karthikeyan (2001)
Nicky Pastorelli (2005)
Nicolas Kiesa (2005)
Nigel Mansell (1996, 2004)
Pedro De la Rosa (1997-1998)
Phil Andrews (1993)
Ralf Schumacher (1996)
Ralph Firman (2003)
Ricardo Zonta (1997, 2001)
Richard Lyons (2003)
Robert Doornbos (2004)
Sakon Yamamoto (2005)
Satoshi Motoyama (2003)
Shinji Nakano (1999)
Takuma Sato (2000)
Timo Glock (2004)
Tomas Enge (1999-2000)
Vittorio Zoboli (1993-1994)
Zsolt Baumgartner (2003)

Lancia (see also Ferrari)
Alberto Ascari (1954)
Eugenio Castellotti (1954)
Luigi Villoresi (1954)

Larrousse
Andrea Montermini (1992)
Emanuele Pirro (1989)
Emmanuel Clerico (1994)
Elton Julian (1994?)
Jean-Marc Gounon (1993)
Olivier Beretta (1993)
Paul Belmondo (1992)

Life (see also FIRST)
Franco Scapini (1989-1990)

Ligier (see also Prost)
Alain Prost (1992)
Derek Daly (1995) Magny-Cours
Emmanuel Collard (1990-1991)
Eric Bernard (1993)
Erik Comas (1990)
Franco Forini (1988)
Frank Lagorce (1994-1995)
Jackie Stewart (1978)
Jacques Laffite (1988, 1996)
Jean-Louis Schlesser (1989)
JJ Lehto (1994)
Jörg Müller (1994)
Kelvin Burt (1996)
Kenny Brack (1996)
Max Papis (1994)
Michael Schumacher (1994)
Michel Ferté (1985)
Niki Lauda (1977)
Philippe Alliot (1985) Paul Ricard Nov 1985
Philippe Streiff (1985) Paul Ricard Nov


Lola (see also Larrousse)
Allan McNish (1995)

Lotus
Alessandro Zanardi (1994)
Bob Evans (1979)
Brian Henton (1975)
Christian Horner (1993)
Dave Scott (1981)
Derek Warwick (1985-1986?)
Jackie Stewart (1978, 1989)
Jim Crawford (1975)
Johnny Dumfries (1984)
Johnny Herbert (1988, 1990-1991)
Martin Donnelly (1988-1989)
Max Papis (1994)
Nelson Piquet (1987)
Oliver Beretta (1992)
Roberto Moreno (1981-1982)
Stephen South (1979)
Tony Trimmer (1970s)
Warren Hughes (1994)
Wayne Gardner (1993) - Australian motorcycling rider

March/Leyton House
Andy Wallace (1987, 1990)
Bruno Giacomelli (1989-1990) Dec 1989 Estoril
Gary Brabham (1989)
Giovanni Lavaggi (1992)
Jackie Stewart (1989)
Kris Nissen (1987)
Markku Alen (1989)
Mauricio Gugelmin
Ronnie Peterson (?)

Maserati
Sergio Sighinolfi (1950s)

Matra
Graham Hill (1972)
Niki Lauda (1972)

McLaren
Alain Prost (1994-1996)
Alan Jones (1983)
Alex Lloyd (2004)
Alexander Wurz (2001-2005)
Allan McNish (1990-1994)
Andrew Kirkaldy (1999)
Arie Luyendijk (1976)
Ayrton Senna (1983)
Bernd Schneider (1995)
Cheng Congfu (2004)
Dario Franchitti (1995)
Darren Turner (1997, 2003-2004)
Dave Scott (1982)
David Coulthard (1990)
Eddie Jordan (1979)
Emanuele Pirro (1988-1989, 1991)
Gary Paffett (2002-2003, 2005-2008)
Gil de Ferran (1994)
Giorgio Pantano (2001)
Henri Toivonen (1982)
Huub Rothengatter (1976)
Jackie Stewart (1978)
Jamie Davies (1995)
Jamie Green (2004)
Jan Magnussen (1995-1996)
Jean Alesi (2002)
Jenson Button (1999)
Johnny Dumfries (1984)
John Watson (1988)
Jonathan Palmer (1981, 1989-1992) Dez 89 Estoril
Jonny Kane (1995)
Jos Verstappen (1993)
Laurent Aiello (1994)
Lewis Hamilton (2004, 2006)
Marcel Fässler (2001)
Mario Haberfeld (1999)
Mark Blundell (1991-1992, 1995)
Martin Brundle (1983)
Murray Walker (1983?)
Michael Andretti (1991)
Mika Hakkinen (1993, 2006)
Nick Heidfeld (1997-1999)
Niki Lauda (1981)
Oliver Gavin (1993, 1997)
Oliver Jarvis (2007)
Olivier Panis (2000)
Patrick Tambay (1975)
Paul di Resta (2007-2008)
Pedro de la Rosa (2003-2008)
Philippe Alliot (1993-1994)
Quique Mansilla (1982)
Ralf Schumacher (1996)
Ralph Firman (1995)
Raul Boesel (1981)
Ricardo Zonta (1998)
Roberto Moreno (1991)
Sarah Fisher (2002)
Stefan Bellof (1983)
Stefan Johansson (1982, 1991)
Tommy Byrne (1982)
Thierry Boutsen (1980, 1982)
Thierry Tassin (1981)
Yannick Dalmas (1994)

To come (McLaren Autosport BRDC Award winners):
Alexander Sims (2009?)
Oliver Turvey (2009?)
Stefan Wilson (2009?)

McLaren currently awards an F1 test to the winner of the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award

Mercedes-Benz
Dr Rudolf Uhlenhaut (1930s, 1954-1955)

Midland (see also Jordan / Spyker)
Adrian Sutil (2006)
Adrián Vallés (2006)
Alexandre Premat (2006)
Christijan Albers (2005)
Ernesto Viso (2006)
Fabrizio Del Monte (2005-2006)
Giorgio Mondini (2006)
Jeffrey van Hooydonk (2005-2006?)
Markus Winkelhock (2005-2006)
Max Biaggi (2006)
Nicky Pastorelli (2005
Roman Rusinov (2005-2006?)
Ronnie Quintarelli (2006)
Thomas Biagi (2005-2006)
Tiago Monteiro (2005)

Minardi (see also Toro Rosso)
Alessandro Nannini (1984
Andrea Piccini (2001)
Antonio Garcia (2002)
Bas Leinders (2004)
Bryan Herta (2002)
Chanoch Nissany (2004-2005) - Israeli test driver, brought oodles of money to team
Christian Pescatori (1994)
Christijan Albers (2001, 2003-2004)
Danilo Rossi (1994)
David Saelens (2002)
Davide Rigon (2005)
Donny Crevels (1998)
Enrico Toccacelo (2005)
Esteban Tuero (1996-1997)
Fabrizio del Monte (2003)
Fernando Alonso (1999-2000)
Franco Scapini (1987)
Franck Montagny (2002)
Gaston Mazzacane (1999)
Giancarlo Fisichella (1994-1995)
Giorgio Vinella (2000)
Heikki Kovalainen (2003)
Jeffrey van Hooydonk (2004)
Jirko Malchárek (2002)
José María López (2003)
Josele Garza (1988)
Juan Cáceres (2005)
Katherine Legge (2005)
Laurent Redon (1997-1998)
Luca Badoer (1994, 1997)
Luca Filippi (2005)
(Luis Perez?) Sala (1990)
Marco Apicella (1987, 1989)
Matteo Bobbi (2002-2003)
Max Wilson (1999)
Michele Alboreto (1985)
Narain Karthikeyan (2003)
Nicky Pastorelli (2005)
Nicolas Kiesa (2005)
Norbert Siedler (2003)
Norberto Fontana (1999)
Olivier Martini (1997)
Paolo Barilla (1988-1989)
Pastor Maldonado (2004)
Patrick Friesacher (2004)
Patrick Huisman (2004)
Paul Stoddart (2005) - drove the car while he was team principal
Peter Sundberg (1999)
Pierluigi Martini (1984, 1988)
Roldán Rodríguez (2005)
Sergey Zlobin (2002, 2004)
Tarso Marquès (1996-1997)
Thomas Biagi (1994)
Tiago Monteiro (2004)
Tom Kristensen (1997)
Will Davidson (2004) - Gifted F1 test by compatriot Paul Stoddart
Will Power (2004) - Gifted F1 test by compatriot Paul Stoddart

Modena/Lamborghini
Eric van de Poele (1990)
Giovanni Aloi (1990)
Mauro Baldi (1990-1991)
Marco Apicella (1990-1991)
Nicola Larini (1990)

Osella
Enrico Bertaggia (1989)
Enzo Osella (1983)
Fabrizio Barbazza (1985)
Fabrizio Tabaton (1983)
Gianfranco Tacchino (1985)
Giorgio Francia (1985)
Juan Manuel Fangio II (1984)
Marco Greco (1991)

Pacific
Katsumi Yamamoto (1995)
Oliver Gavin (1994)
Paul Belmondo (1995)

Prost (see also Ligier)
Emmanuel Collard (1997)
Enrique Bernoldi (2000)
Jaroslav Janis (2001)
Jenson Button (1999)
Jonathan Cochet (2001)
Oriol Servià (2000-2001)
Pedro de la Rosa (2001)
Stephane Samson (2001)
Stephane Sarrazin (1999-2001)

RAM
Eliseo Salazar (1983)
Nelson Piquet (1983)
Pierre Dieudonne (1985)
Rupert Keegan (1986)
Thierry Boutsen (1981, 1983)

Red Bull Racing (see also Jaguar)
Brendon Hartley (2008) - stood in for injured Mark Webber
Filipe Albuquerque (2007)
Karun Chandhok (2007)
Luciano Burti (2008)
Martin Brundle (2006, 2008)
Michael Ammermuller (2006-2007)
Mikhail Aleshin (2008)
Neel Jani (2004)
Robert Doornbos (2006-2007)
Scott Speed (2005)
Sebastian Vettel (2007)
Sebastien Buemi (2007-2008)
Sebastien Loeb (2008)
Vitantonio Liuzzi (2004-2006)

Renault (see also Benetton)
Allan McNish (2003)
Alvaro Parente (2008)
Alx Danielsson (2007)
Carlos Sainz (2006)
Christian Danner (2007)
Damon Hill (2006)
Derek Warwick (1983)
Eddie Cheever (1982)
Fernando Alonso (2002) - official test driver before promotion to race driver in ‘03
Franck Montagny (2003-2005)
Giedo van der Garde (2008)
Gerard Larrousse (1983)
Giorgio Mondini (2005)
Jacques Laffite (2007)
Jacques Villeneuve (2004) - tested prior to unsuccessful 3-race stint with team
Jan Lammers (1983)
Jean-Pierre Jabouille (1976)
Jean-Pierre Jaussaud (1980)
Jean Ragnotti (1983)
John Nielsen (1983)
Johnny Rives (Journalist L'Equipe) (1984)
José María López (2003, 2005-2006)
Heikki Kovalainen (2003-2006)
Lucas Di Grassi (2005, 2007-2008)
Nelson Piquet (1984)
Nelson Piquet Jr (2006-2007)
Nigel Roebuck (1982)
Oliver Gavin (2002)
Patrick Tambay (1983)
Philippe Streiff (1983)
Ricardo Zonta (2007)
Richard Hammond (2007)
Robert Kubica (2005)
Romain Dumas (2002)
Romain Grosjean (2008)
Sakon Yamamoto (2008)
Satoshi Motoyama (2004)
Sebastien Bourdais (2002, 2003)
Sebastien Loeb (2007)
Tiago Monteiro (2002)

Renault currently awards the winner of the World Series by Renault with an F1 test

Reynard
Christian Danner (1991)

Rial
Thomas Danielsson (1989)
Michael Bartels (1988)

Sauber (see also BMW Sauber)
Alexander Wurz (1996)
Enrique Bernoldi (1996, 1999-2000)
Felipe Massa (2001, 2003)
Jean-Louis Schlesser (1992)
John Watson (1996)
Jonathan Palmer (1996)
Jörg Müller (1998-1999)
Karl Wendlinger (1995)
Kimi Raikkonen (2000)
Kris Nissen (1994)
Marc Surer (1996)
Michael Schumacher (1997)
Mika Salo (1994)
Neel Jani (2003-2004)
Nicola Larini (1996)
Norberto Fontana (1995-1997)
Vitantonio Liuzzi (2004)

Scuderia Italia (Dallara)
Andrea Montermini (1990)

Spirit
Emerson Fittipaldi (1984)
Fulvio Ballabio (1984)
Thierry Boutsen (1982)

Spyker (see also Midland / Force India)
Adrián Vallés (2007)
Fairuz Fauzy (2007)
Giedo van der Garde (2007)
Markus Winkelhock (2007)
Roldan Rodriguez (2007)

Stewart (see also Jaguar)
Eddie Irvine (1999)
Jackie Stewart (1997)
Mario Haberfeld (1998)
Luciano Burti (1999)

Super Aguri
Aguri Suzuki (2007)
Christian Danner (2007)
Giedo van der Garde (2007)
James Rossiter (2007-2008)
Martin Brundle (2007)
Mike Conway (2007)
Sakon Yamamoto (2006-2007)

Toleman (see also Benetton)
Alessandro Nannini (1985) Paul Ricard Nov 1985
Emanuele Pirro (1985)
Gabriele Tarquini (1985) Paul Ricard Nov 1985
Ivan Capelli (1984)
John Watson (1985)
Maurizio Sandro Sala (1985)
Manfred Winkelhock (1984)
Oscar Larrauri (1985) Estoril Dec 1985
Paolo Barilla (1985) Estoril Dec 1985
Roberto Moreno (1984)
Volker Weidler (1985) Estoril Dec 1985

Toro Rosso (see also Minardi)
Brendon Hartley (2008)
Gerhard Berger (2008)
Jaime Alguersuari (2008)
John Hopkins (2006)
Neel Jani (2005-2006)
Sebastien Bourdais (2006-2007)
Sebastien Buemi (2008)
Takuma Sato (2008)
Vitantonio Liuzzi (2005)

Toyota
Alex Storckenfeld (2002)
Allan McNish (2000-2001)
Andrea Caldarelli (2008)
Andy Soucek (2006)
Borja García (2005)
Franck Montagny (2006-2007)
Franck Perera (2004-2005)
Helio Castroneves (2002)
Henkie Waldschmidt (2008)
Kamui Kobayashi (2006-2008)
Katsuyuki Hiranaka (2004)
Kohei Hirate (2007)
Mika Salo (2001)
Olivier Panis (2005-2006)
Peter Windsor (2004)
Scott Dixon (2004)
Stéphane Sarrazin (2002)
Ricardo Zonta (2003-2006)
Ryan Briscoe (2002-2005)
Toranosuke Takagi (2003)

Tyrrell
Chico Serra (1983)
Emmanuel Collard (1996)
Eric van de Poele (1993)
Gabriele Tarquini (1995)
Huub Rothengatter (198?)
Jackie Stewart (1975, 1978)
Jean-Christophe Boullion (1998)
Kelvin Burt (1993)
Kris Nissen (1980)
Mike Gascoyne (1998)
Mike Thackwell (1980)
Patrick Lemarié (1998-1999)
Piercarlo Ghinzani (1983)
Stefan Johansson (1983)
Tom Kristensen (1998)
Toranosuke Takagi (1997)

Williams
Adrian Newey (1993)
Al Unser Jr (1991)
Alain Menu (1993, 1995)
Alexander Wurz (2006)
Allard Kalff (1993)
Aluizio Coelho (1998)
Andy Priaulx (2005)
Antônio Pizzonia (1999, 2002, 2004-2005)
Ayrton Senna (1983)
Bernard Dudot (1993)
Bruno Junqueira (1999, 2000)
Damon Hill (1991-1992)
Dani Clos (2008)
Danny Ongais (1978)
Darren Manning (1999)
David Cook (1996)
David Coulthard (1993-1994)
Denis Chevrier (1993)
Derek Daly (1993)
Dirk Muller (2002)
Eddie Cheever (1978)
Emmanuel Collard (1994)
Geoff Lees (1987)
Giacomo Agostini (1978)
Giorgio Pantano (2002)
Gunnar Nilsson (1975)
Guy Smith (1995)
Ho-Pin Tung (2003)
Jackie Stewart (1989, 2006)
Jacques Laffite (1982)
Jacques Villeneuve (1995)
Jean-Christophe Boullion (1994-1997)
Jean-Louis Schlesser (1983, 1985, 1987-1988)
Jean-Pierre Jarier (1981)
Jean Ragnotti (1993)
Jeff Gordon (2002)
João Paulo Oliveira (2006)
Jochen Mass (1993)
Johnny Robinson (1991-1992)
John Watson (1993)
Jonathan Kennard (2008)
Jonathan Palmer (1981-1983)
Jörg Müller (1999)
Juan Pablo Montoya (1997-1998)
Kazuki Nakajima (2007)
Kazuyoshi Hoshino (1987)
Kelvin Burt (1993)
Keke Rosberg (1981)
Kenny Bräck (1993)
Lella Lombardi (1978)
Luciano Burti (2005-2006)
Marc Gene (2001-2004)
Marc Hynes (1997)
Mark Blundell (1989-1991, 2007)
Marko Asmer (2003)
Martin Brundle (1983, 1988)
Max Wilson (1997-1998)
Mick Doohan (1998)
Mike Thackwell (1984-1985) Estoril Dez 1985
Narain Karthikeyan (2005-2007)
Nelson Piquet (1985, 2004)
Nico Rosberg (2002-2005)
Nicolas Minassian (1997)
Norbert Haug (1988)
Olivier Beretta (2003-2004)
Patrick Head (1993)
Perry McCarthy (1993)
Ricardo Sperafíco (2003)
Riccardo Patrese (1996)
Sam Bird (2007)
Scott Dixon (2004, 2003?)
Sebastian Vettel (2005)
Soheil Ayari (1997)
Tiff Needell (1991, 2005)
Tommi Makinen (1998)
Vitantonio Liuzzi (2002)

Williams will award the winner of the FIA Formula 2 Championship with a test

Wolf
Jackie Stewart (1978)

Vanwall
Stirling Moss (1954)

Zakspeed
Aguri Suzuki (1988)
Christian Danner (1988)
Csaba Kesjar (1987)
Hans Kauffman (1987) Dec 1987 Estoril
Joachim Winkelhock (1988)
Kris Nissen (1986-1987?)
Luis Perez Sala (1986)
Manfred Winkelhock (1984 and 1987) Dec. 87 Estoril
Norbert Haug (1987)

1989-1994 Bridgestone/Mugen Tyre Tests
Aguri Suzuki - Tyrrell (1992-1993)
Christian Danner - Reynard (1990)
Heinz-Harald Frentzen - Tyrrell (1993)
Johnny Herbert - Tyrrell (1992)
Mauro Martini - Tyrrell (1992-1994)
Paolo Barilla - Reynard (1989)
Volker Weidler - Tyrrell (1990-1992)

1996 Bridgestone Tyre Tests
Aguri Suzuka - Footwork/Ligier
Damon Hill - Ligier
Jos Verstappen - Footwork/Ligier
Tarso Marquès - Footwork/Ligier

2000 Michelin Tyre Tests
Jörg Müller - Williams
Max Wilson - Jaguar
Tom Kristensen - Jaguar/Williams

Tests That Never Happened
Andrea Montermini (Lola, 1997 - announced as test driver, but never drove the car)
Jacky van de Ende (Stewart, 1997 - awarded test, but never drove the car)

Oddities - Tests But Official Entries

- Bernie Ecclestone entered the 1958 Monaco and British Grand Prix in a private Connaught

- Stirling Moss entered the 1960 Monaco Grand Prix for Scarab for testing in practice after being invited by team owner Lance Reventlow

- Mike Hawthorn entered the 1956 Belgian Grand Prix for Maserati for testing in practice


Source:
http://cfm.globalf1.net//?page_id=100

and updated by Ricardo Pereira (rpereira)

Test Drivers
Formula One Test Drivers Archive

This is an attempt at archiving all instances of a driver testing a contemporary Formula One car. It includes official test drivers, Friday test drivers, one-off test drivers, and so on. It does not include instances of a regular driver testing during the off-season. Descriptions of the tests will appear in the future. Please post any missing testers in the Test Drivers thread in GF1’s Nostalgia Forum

Thanks in particular to the members of TBK/TBK Light for their assistance in posting pictures of many of the tests. Credit also to 8W’s test driver archive.

AGS
Didier Pironi (1986)
Ivan Capelli (1986)

Alfa Romeo
Giovanni-Batista Guidotti (1930s)
Consalvo Sanesi (1946-1951, 1953-1954)
Eddie Cheever (1983)
Giorgio Francia (1985-1986)
Pierre Dieudonne (1981)
Rene Arnoux (1986)
Stirling Moss (1951)
Teodoro Zeccoli (1978-1980)
Vittorio Brambilla (1978-1980)

Arrows/Footwork
Antônio Pizzonia (2002)
Alessandro Zanardi (1991)
Allen Berg (1984)
Barry Sheene (1978)
Darren Turner (1997)
David Brabham (1992-1993, 1996)
Emmanuel Collard (1998)
Gaston Mazzacane (2000)
Gregor Foitek (1989)
Hannu Mikkola (1984)
Jari Nurminen (1986)
Johnny Herbert (2001)
Jörg Müller (1994, 1997)
Jos Verstappen (1993)
Kelvin Burt (1996)
Kenny Bräck (1996)
Mark Webber (1999-2000)
Martin Brundle (1997)
Mika Hakkinen (1993)
Paul Stewart (1993)
Paul Warwick (1989)
Pedro Lamy (1995)
Perry McCarthy (1991)
Sebastien Bourdais (2002)
Stephen Watson (1998)
Tom Coronel (1999)

Aston Martin
Reg Parnell (1955)

BAR (see also Tyrrell / Honda)
Adam Carroll (2004-2005)
Alan Van der Merwe (2004-2005)
Anthony Davidson (2001-2005)
Björn Wirdheim (2003)
Darren Manning (2000-2003)
Enrique Bernoldi (2004)
James Rossiter (2004) [Photo 2004]
Jean-Christophe Boullion (1999)
Kosuke Matsuura (2002)
Marc Hynes (2000)
Nelson Piquet Jr (2005)
Patrick Lemarié (1999-2003)
Ralph Firman (2002)
Ryo Fukuda (2002)
Takuma Sato (2001, 2003)
Tony Kanaan (2005)
Townsend Bell (2003)

Benetton (see also Toleman / Renault)
Alessandro Nannini (1987, 1996)
Alessandro Zanardi (1992-1993)
Alex Caffi (1987)
Alexander Wurz (1996-1997)
Allan McNish (1993-1995)
Andrea Montermini (1992)
Andy Wallace (1986)
Damon Hill (1988)
David Coulthard (1992)
David Hunt (1988)
Emanuele Pirro (1997)
Emmanuel Collard (1995)
Fernando Alonso (2001-2002)
Gary Brabham (1988)
Giancarlo Fisichella (1996)
Giorgio Pantano (2000)
Giovanna Amati (1986)
Giovanni Bonanno (1992)
Hidetoshi Mitsusada (2000)
Jackie Stewart (1989)
Jason Watt (1998)
Johnny Dumfries (1987-1990)
Johnny Herbert (1987, 1989)
Jordi Gene (1993)
Jos Verstappen (1993-1994, 1998)
King Constantine II of Greece (1990)
King Hussein of Jordan (1990)
Laurent Redon (1999)
Luca Badoer (1993)
Mark Webber (2000-2001)
Martin Brundle (1997)
Martin Donnelly (1987)
Maurizio Sandro Sala (1986)
Mika Hakkinen (1990)
Olivier Gavin (1997-1998?)
Paolo Barilla (1986-1987)
Paul Belmondo (1993)
Paul Stewart (1990)
Paul Tracy (1994)
Perry McCarthy (1992)
Roberto Moreno (1990)
Roberto Ravaglia (1988)
Stefano Modena (1987)
Vincenzo Sospiri (1996)

BMW Sauber (see also Sauber)
Alessandro Zanardi (2006)
Andy Priaulx (2008)
Augusto Farfus Jr (2007)
Christian Klien (2008)
Christian Vietoris (2007)
Graham Rahal (2008)
Ho-Pin Tung (2008)
Javier Villa (2008)
Marco Holzer (2006)
Marko Asmer (2008)
Nigel Mansell (2007)
Philipp Eng (2008)
Robert Kubica (2006)
Sebastian Vettel (2006-2007)
Timo Glock (2007)

To come (2008 Formula BMW World Final winner):
Alexander Rossi (2009)

BMW Sauber currently awards the winner of the Formula BMW World Final with an F1 test at the World Final the following year

Brabham
Ayrton Senna (1983)
Barry Sheene (1985)
Cees Siewertsen (1974)
Christian Danner (1983)
Corrado Fabi (1982)
Davy Jones (1983)
Elio de Angelis (1985)
Emanuele Pirro (1985)
Franco Uncini (1985)
Gary Brabham (1989)
Gunnar Nilsson (1975)
Hans-Joachim Stuck (1982)
Hector Rebaque (1981)
Ivan Capelli (1983)
Jackie Stewart (1978)
Josele Garza (1987)
Marco Lucchinelli (1985) Paul Ricard Nov 85
Mauro Baldi (1983)
Paolo Barilla (1984)
Pierluigi Martini (1983)
Roberto Guerrero (1983)
Stirling Moss (1983)
Thierry Boutsen (1981)
Tony Trimmer (1989)
Willy T. Ribbs (1985)

BRM
Jose Frolian Gonzalez (1952)
Juan Manuel Fangio (1952)
Ken Richardson (1940s-1950s)
Ken Wharton (1951)
Patrick Neve (1976)
Ron Flockhart (1954-1959)
Stirling Moss (1952, 1954-1956, 1959)

Coloni
Antonio Tamburini (1991)
Enzo Coloni (1987)
Luis Perez-Sala (1987)

Connaught
Stirling Moss (1954)

DAMS
Erik Comas (1995-1996)
Jan Lammers (1995)

Dome
Shinji Nakano (1996)
Marco Apicella (1996)
Michael Krumm (1996)
Naoki Hattori (1996)

Ensign
Arie Luyendijk (1975?)
Ole Vejlund (1974)

Ferrari
Alessandro Nannini (1992)
Andrea Montermini (1991)
Andrea Bertolini (2004-2008?)
Carlos Reutemann (1995, 2004)
Daniele Amaduzzo (1980s)
Dario Benuzzi (1988, 1991)
Eddie Cheever (1977)
Eddie Irvine (1995)
Edoardo Piscopo (2008)
Elio de Angelis (1978)
Fabrizio Giovanardi (2001)
Felipe Massa (2003)
Gerhard Berger (1986)
Giancarlo Fisichella (1995/6?)
Gianfranco Brancatelli (1975)
Gianni Morbidelli (1989-1993, 1997)
JJ Lehto (1989, 1992) Oct. 89 Estoril
Johnny Dumfries (1985)
Luca Badoer (1998-2008)
Luciano Burti (2002-2004)
Marc Gene (2004-2008)
Martino Severi (1959-1960)
Max Biaggi (1997, 1999)
Michele Alboreto (1983)
Mirko Bortolotti (2008)
Nicola Larini (1992-1998)
Richie Ginther (1960)
Roberto Moreno (1988-1989, 1998?)
Salvatore Cicatelli (2008)
Valentino Rossi (2004-2006, 2008)

In 2008, Ferrari awarded the top 3 drivers in the Italian Formula 3 Championship with a test. This may continue in the future

FIRST (see also Life)
Gabriele Tarquini (1989)

Force India (see also Spyker)
Christian Klien (2007)
Franck Montagny (2007)
Pedro de la Rosa (2008)
Ralf Schumacher (2007)
Roldan Rodriguez (2007)
Vitantonio Liuzzi (2007-2008)

Forti
Frank Lagorce (1996)

Hesketh
Harvey Postlethwaite (1974)

Honda (see also BAR)
Adam Carroll (2006)
Alan van der Merwe (2006)
Alexander Wurz (2008)
Andreas Zuber (2007)
Anthony Davidson (2006, 2008, also 2007?)
Bruno Senna (2008)
Cameron McConville (2008) - last person to test Honda F1 car
Christian Klien (2007)
Giorgio Mondini (2006)
Hisashi Tsukahara (2008)
James Rossiter (2006-2007/2008?)
Jos Verstappen (1999)
Luca Filippi (2007)
Lucas di Grassi (2008)
Marco Andretti (2006)
Mike Conway (2007-2008?)
Nicolas Minassian (1999)
Riccardo Patrese (2008)
Ronnie Bucknum (1963-1964)
Satoru Nakajima (1993)
Takashi Kogure (2008)

Jaguar (see also Stewart / Red Bull)
Andre Lotterer (2000-2003)
Björn Wirdheim (2004)
Christian Danner (2001)
Dario Franchitti (2000)
Fernando Alonso (2002)
James Courtney (2002-2003) - did not test again after injury at Monza
Luciano Burti (2000)
Martin Brundle (2004)
Narain Karthikeyan (2001)
Niki Lauda (2002) - the Austrian’s first taste of an F1 car in years
Pedro De La Rosa (2001)
Tomas Scheckter (2000-2001)
Townsend Bell (2003)

Jordan (see also Midland)
Andrew Gilbert-Scott (2000, 2003?)
Anthony Davidson (2005)
Björn Wirdheim (2003)
Brian Hart (1994)
Chanoch Nissany (2004)
Christijan Albers (2004)
Colin McRae (1996)
Darren Turner (1997)
David Kennedy (1999)
Derek Daly (2004)
Emmanuel Collard (1995)
Emanuele Naspetti (1993)
Fabrizio de Simone (1996)
Franck Montagny (2005)
Gianni Morbidelli (1996)
Jaroslav Janis (2003)
Jason Tahinci (2005)
Jean-Christophe Bouillion (1995?-1996)
John Watson (1990)
Jos Verstappen (1999)
Juichi Wakisaka (1998)
Justin Wilson (2001)
Kelvin Burt (1994)
Laurent Aïello (1995)
Marcel Lasee (2002)
Mario Dominguez (2004-2005?) - was reported as securing a Jordan F1 drive
Martin Brundle (1995, 1999)
Martin Donnelly (1993)
Narain Karthikeyan (2001)
Nicky Pastorelli (2005)
Nicolas Kiesa (2005)
Nigel Mansell (1996, 2004)
Pedro De la Rosa (1997-1998)
Phil Andrews (1993)
Ralf Schumacher (1996)
Ralph Firman (2003)
Ricardo Zonta (1997, 2001)
Richard Lyons (2003)
Robert Doornbos (2004)
Sakon Yamamoto (2005)
Satoshi Motoyama (2003)
Shinji Nakano (1999)
Takuma Sato (2000)
Timo Glock (2004)
Tomas Enge (1999-2000)
Vittorio Zoboli (1993-1994)
Zsolt Baumgartner (2003)

Lancia (see also Ferrari)
Alberto Ascari (1954)
Eugenio Castellotti (1954)
Luigi Villoresi (1954)

Larrousse
Andrea Montermini (1992)
Emanuele Pirro (1989)
Emmanuel Clerico (1994)
Elton Julian (1994?)
Jean-Marc Gounon (1993)
Olivier Beretta (1993)
Paul Belmondo (1992)

Life (see also FIRST)
Franco Scapini (1989-1990)

Ligier (see also Prost)
Alain Prost (1992)
Emmanuel Collard (1990-1991)
Eric Bernard (1993)
Erik Comas (1990)
Franco Forini (1988)
Frank Lagorce (1994-1995)
Jackie Stewart (1978)
Jacques Laffite (1988, 1996)
Jean-Louis Schlesser (1989)
JJ Lehto (1994)
Jörg Müller (1994)
Kelvin Burt (1996)
Kenny Brack (1996)
Max Papis (1994)
Michael Schumacher (1994)
Michel Ferté (1985)
Niki Lauda (1977)
Philippe Alliot (1985) Paul Ricard Nov 1985
Philippe Streiff (1985) Paul Ricard Nov


Lola (see also Larrousse)
Allan McNish (1995)

Lotus
Alessandro Zanardi (1994)
Bob Evans (1979)
Brian Henton (1975)
Christian Horner (1993)
Dave Scott (1981)
Derek Warwick (1985-1986?)
Jackie Stewart (1978, 1989)
Jim Crawford (1975)
Johnny Dumfries (1984)
Johnny Herbert (1988, 1990-1991)
Martin Donnelly (1988-1989)
Max Papis (1994)
Nelson Piquet (1987)
Oliver Beretta (1992)
Roberto Moreno (1981-1982)
Stephen South (1979)
Tony Trimmer (1970s)
Warren Hughes (1994)
Wayne Gardner (1993) - Australian motorcycling rider

March/Leyton House
Andy Wallace (1987, 1990)
Bruno Giacomelli (1989-1990) Dec 1989 Estoril
Gary Brabham (1989)
Giovanni Lavaggi (1992)
Jackie Stewart (1989)
Kris Nissen (1987)
Markku Alen (1989)
Mauricio Gugelmin
Ronnie Peterson (?)

Maserati
Sergio Sighinolfi (1950s)

Matra
Graham Hill (1972)
Niki Lauda (1972)

McLaren
Alain Prost (1994-1996)
Alan Jones (1983)
Alex Lloyd (2004)
Alexander Wurz (2001-2005)
Allan McNish (1990-1994)
Andrew Kirkaldy (1999)
Arie Luyendijk (1976)
Ayrton Senna (1983)
Bernd Schneider (1995)
Cheng Congfu (2004)
Dario Franchitti (1995)
Darren Turner (1997, 2003-2004)
Dave Scott (1982)
David Coulthard (1990)
Eddie Jordan (1979)
Emanuele Pirro (1988-1989, 1991)
Gary Paffett (2002-2003, 2005-2008)
Gil de Ferran (1994)
Giorgio Pantano (2001)
Henri Toivonen (1982)
Huub Rothengatter (1976)
Jackie Stewart (1978)
Jamie Davies (1995)
Jamie Green (2004)
Jan Magnussen (1995-1996)
Jean Alesi (2002)
Jenson Button (1999)
Johnny Dumfries (1984)
John Watson (1988)
Jonathan Palmer (1981, 1989-1992) Dez 89 Estoril
Jonny Kane (1995)
Jos Verstappen (1993)
Laurent Aiello (1994)
Lewis Hamilton (2004, 2006)
Marcel Fässler (2001)
Mario Haberfeld (1999)
Mark Blundell (1991-1992, 1995)
Martin Brundle (1983)
Murray Walker (1983?)
Michael Andretti (1991)
Mika Hakkinen (1993, 2006)
Nick Heidfeld (1997-1999)
Niki Lauda (1981)
Oliver Gavin (1993, 1997)
Oliver Jarvis (2007)
Olivier Panis (2000)
Patrick Tambay (1975)
Paul di Resta (2007-2008)
Pedro de la Rosa (2003-2008)
Philippe Alliot (1993-1994)
Quique Mansilla (1982)
Ralf Schumacher (1996)
Ralph Firman (1995)
Raul Boesel (1981)
Ricardo Zonta (1998)
Roberto Moreno (1991)
Sarah Fisher (2002)
Stefan Bellof (1983)
Stefan Johansson (1982, 1991)
Tommy Byrne (1982)
Thierry Boutsen (1980, 1982)
Thierry Tassin (1981)
Yannick Dalmas (1994)

To come (McLaren Autosport BRDC Award winners):
Alexander Sims (2009?)
Oliver Turvey (2009?)
Stefan Wilson (2009?)

McLaren currently awards an F1 test to the winner of the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award

Mercedes-Benz
Dr Rudolf Uhlenhaut (1930s, 1954-1955)

Midland (see also Jordan / Spyker)
Adrian Sutil (2006)
Adrián Vallés (2006)
Alexandre Premat (2006)
Christijan Albers (2005)
Ernesto Viso (2006)
Fabrizio Del Monte (2005-2006)
Giorgio Mondini (2006)
Jeffrey van Hooydonk (2005-2006?)
Markus Winkelhock (2005-2006)
Max Biaggi (2006)
Nicky Pastorelli (2005
Roman Rusinov (2005-2006?)
Ronnie Quintarelli (2006)
Thomas Biagi (2005-2006)
Tiago Monteiro (2005)

Minardi (see also Toro Rosso)
Alessandro Nannini (1984
Andrea Piccini (2001)
Antonio Garcia (2002)
Bas Leinders (2004)
Bryan Herta (2002)
Chanoch Nissany (2004-2005) - Israeli test driver, brought oodles of money to team
Christian Pescatori (1994)
Christijan Albers (2001, 2003-2004)
Danilo Rossi (1994)
David Saelens (2002)
Davide Rigon (2005)
Donny Crevels (1998)
Enrico Toccacelo (2005)
Esteban Tuero (1996-1997)
Fabrizio del Monte (2003)
Fernando Alonso (1999-2000)
Franco Scapini (1987)
Franck Montagny (2002)
Gaston Mazzacane (1999)
Giancarlo Fisichella (1994-1995)
Giorgio Vinella (2000)
Heikki Kovalainen (2003)
Jeffrey van Hooydonk (2004)
Jirko Malchárek (2002)
José María López (2003)
Josele Garza (1988)
Juan Cáceres (2005)
Katherine Legge (2005)
Laurent Redon (1997-1998)
Luca Badoer (1994, 1997)
Luca Filippi (2005)
(Luis Perez?) Sala (1990)
Marco Apicella (1987, 1989)
Matteo Bobbi (2002-2003)
Max Wilson (1999)
Michele Alboreto (1985)
Narain Karthikeyan (2003)
Nicky Pastorelli (2005)
Nicolas Kiesa (2005)
Norbert Siedler (2003)
Norberto Fontana (1999)
Olivier Martini (1997)
Paolo Barilla (1988-1989)
Pastor Maldonado (2004)
Patrick Friesacher (2004)
Patrick Huisman (2004)
Paul Stoddart (2005) - drove the car while he was team principal
Peter Sundberg (1999)
Pierluigi Martini (1984, 1988)
Roldán Rodríguez (2005)
Sergey Zlobin (2002, 2004)
Tarso Marquès (1996-1997)
Thomas Biagi (1994)
Tiago Monteiro (2004)
Tom Kristensen (1997)
Will Davidson (2004) - Gifted F1 test by compatriot Paul Stoddart
Will Power (2004) - Gifted F1 test by compatriot Paul Stoddart

Modena/Lamborghini
Eric van de Poele (1990)
Giovanni Aloi (1990)
Mauro Baldi (1990-1991)
Marco Apicella (1990-1991)
Nicola Larini (1990)

Osella
Enrico Bertaggia (1989)
Enzo Osella (1983)
Fabrizio Barbazza (1985)
Fabrizio Tabaton (1983)
Gianfranco Tacchino (1985)
Giorgio Francia (1985)
Juan Manuel Fangio II (1984)
Marco Greco (1991)

Pacific
Katsumi Yamamoto (1995)
Oliver Gavin (1994)
Paul Belmondo (1995)

Prost (see also Ligier)
Emmanuel Collard (1997)
Enrique Bernoldi (2000)
Jaroslav Janis (2001)
Jenson Button (1999)
Jonathan Cochet (2001)
Oriol Servià (2000-2001)
Pedro de la Rosa (2001)
Stephane Samson (2001)
Stephane Sarrazin (1999-2001)

RAM
Eliseo Salazar (1983)
Nelson Piquet (1983)
Rupert Keegan (1986)
Thierry Boutsen (1981, 1983)

Red Bull Racing (see also Jaguar)
Brendon Hartley (2008) - stood in for injured Mark Webber
Filipe Albuquerque (2007)
Karun Chandhok (2007)
Luciano Burti (2008)
Martin Brundle (2006, 2008)
Michael Ammermuller (2006-2007)
Mikhail Aleshin (2008)
Neel Jani (2004)
Robert Doornbos (2006-2007)
Scott Speed (2005)
Sebastian Vettel (2007)
Sebastien Buemi (2007-2008)
Sebastien Loeb (2008)
Vitantonio Liuzzi (2004-2006)

Renault (see also Benetton)
Allan McNish (2003)
Alvaro Parente (2008)
Alx Danielsson (2007)
Carlos Sainz (2006)
Christian Danner (2007)
Damon Hill (2006)
Derek Warwick (1983)
Fernando Alonso (2002) - official test driver before promotion to race driver in ‘03
Franck Montagny (2003-2005)
Giedo van der Garde (2008)
Gerard Larrousse (1983)
Giorgio Mondini (2005)
Jacques Villeneuve (2004) - tested prior to unsuccessful 3-race stint with team
Jan Lammers (1983)
Jean-Pierre Jabouille (1976)
Jean-Pierre Jaussaud (1980)
Jean Ragnotti (1983)
John Nielsen (1983)
José María López (2003, 2005-2006)
Heikki Kovalainen (2003-2006)
Lucas Di Grassi (2005, 2007-2008)
Nelson Piquet (1984)
Nelson Piquet Jr (2006-2007)
Nigel Roebuck (1982)
Oliver Gavin (2002)
Patrick Tambay (1983)
Philippe Streiff (1983)
Ricardo Zonta (2007)
Richard Hammond (2007)
Robert Kubica (2005)
Romain Dumas (2002)
Romain Grosjean (2008)
Sakon Yamamoto (2008)
Satoshi Motoyama (2004)
Sebastien Bourdais (2002, 2003)
Sebastien Loeb (2007)
Tiago Monteiro (2002)

Renault currently awards the winner of the World Series by Renault with an F1 test

Reynard
Christian Danner (1991)

Rial
Thomas Danielsson (1989)
Michael Bartels (1988)

Sauber (see also BMW Sauber)
Alexander Wurz (1996)
Enrique Bernoldi (1996, 1999-2000)
Felipe Massa (2001, 2003)
Jean-Louis Schlesser (1992)
John Watson (1996)
Jonathan Palmer (1996)
Jörg Müller (1998-1999)
Karl Wendlinger (1995)
Kimi Raikkonen (2000)
Kris Nissen (1994)
Marc Surer (1996)
Michael Schumacher (1997)
Mika Salo (1994)
Neel Jani (2003-2004)
Nicola Larini (1996)
Norberto Fontana (1995-1997)
Vitantonio Liuzzi (2004)

Scuderia Italia (Dallara)
Andrea Montermini (1990)

Spirit
Emerson Fittipaldi (1984)
Fulvio Ballabio (1984)
Thierry Boutsen (1982)

Spyker (see also Midland / Force India)
Adrián Vallés (2007)
Fairuz Fauzy (2007)
Giedo van der Garde (2007)
Markus Winkelhock (2007)
Roldan Rodriguez (2007)

Stewart (see also Jaguar)
Eddie Irvine (1999)
Jackie Stewart (1997)
Mario Haberfeld (1998)
Luciano Burti (1999)

Super Aguri
Aguri Suzuki (2007)
Christian Danner (2007)
Giedo van der Garde (2007)
James Rossiter (2007-2008)
Martin Brundle (2007)
Mike Conway (2007)
Sakon Yamamoto (2006-2007)

Toleman (see also Benetton)
Alessandro Nannini (1985) Paul Ricard Nov 1985
Emanuele Pirro (1985)
Gabriele Tarquini (1985) Paul Ricard Nov 1985
Ivan Capelli (1984)
John Watson (1985)
Maurizio Sandro Sala (1985)
Manfred Winkelhock (1984)
Oscar Larrauri (1985) Estoril Dec 1985
Paolo Barilla (1985) Estoril Dec 1985
Roberto Moreno (1984)
Volker Weidler (1985) Estoril Dec 1985

Toro Rosso (see also Minardi)
Brendon Hartley (2008)
Gerhard Berger (2008)
Jaime Alguersuari (2008)
John Hopkins (2006)
Neel Jani (2005-2006)
Sebastien Bourdais (2006-2007)
Sebastien Buemi (2008)
Takuma Sato (2008)
Vitantonio Liuzzi (2005)

Toyota
Alex Storckenfeld (2002)
Allan McNish (2000-2001)
Andrea Caldarelli (2008)
Andy Soucek (2006)
Borja García (2005)
Franck Montagny (2006-2007)
Franck Perera (2004-2005)
Helio Castroneves (2002)
Henkie Waldschmidt (2008)
Kamui Kobayashi (2006-2008)
Katsuyuki Hiranaka (2004)
Kohei Hirate (2007)
Mika Salo (2001)
Olivier Panis (2005-2006)
Peter Windsor (2004)
Scott Dixon (2004)
Stéphane Sarrazin (2002)
Ricardo Zonta (2003-2006)
Ryan Briscoe (2002-2005)
Toranosuke Takagi (2003)

Tyrrell
Chico Serra (1983)
Emmanuel Collard (1996)
Eric van de Poele (1993)
Gabriele Tarquini (1995)
Huub Rothengatter (198?)
Jackie Stewart (1975, 1978)
Jean-Christophe Boullion (1998)
Kelvin Burt (1993)
Kris Nissen (1980)
Mike Gascoyne (1998)
Mike Thackwell (1980)
Patrick Lemarié (1998-1999)
Piercarlo Ghinzani (1983)
Stefan Johansson (1983)
Tom Kristensen (1998)
Toranosuke Takagi (1997)

Williams
Adrian Newey (1993)
Al Unser Jr (1991)
Alain Menu (1993, 1995)
Alexander Wurz (2006)
Allard Kalff (1993)
Aluizio Coelho (1998)
Andy Priaulx (2005)
Antônio Pizzonia (1999, 2002, 2004-2005)
Ayrton Senna (1983)
Bernard Dudot (1993)
Bruno Junqueira (1999, 2000)
Damon Hill (1991-1992)
Dani Clos (2008)
Danny Ongais (1978)
Darren Manning (1999)
David Cook (1996)
David Coulthard (1993-1994)
Denis Chevrier (1993)
Derek Daly (1993)
Dirk Muller (2002)
Eddie Cheever (1978)
Emmanuel Collard (1994)
Geoff Lees (1987)
Giacomo Agostini (1978)
Giorgio Pantano (2002)
Gunnar Nilsson (1975)
Guy Smith (1995)
Ho-Pin Tung (2003)
Jackie Stewart (1989, 2006)
Jacques Laffite (1982)
Jacques Villeneuve (1995)
Jean-Christophe Boullion (1994-1997)
Jean-Louis Schlesser (1983, 1985, 1987-1988)
Jean-Pierre Jarier (1981)
Jean Ragnotti (1993)
Jeff Gordon (2002)
João Paulo Oliveira (2006)
Jochen Mass (1993)
Johnny Robinson (1991-1992)
John Watson (1993)
Jonathan Kennard (2008)
Jonathan Palmer (1981-1983)
Jörg Müller (1999)
Juan Pablo Montoya (1997-1998)
Kazuki Nakajima (2007)
Kazuyoshi Hoshino (1987)
Kelvin Burt (1993)
Keke Rosberg (1981)
Kenny Bräck (1993)
Lella Lombardi (1978)
Luciano Burti (2005-2006)
Marc Gene (2001-2004)
Marc Hynes (1997)
Mark Blundell (1989-1991, 2007)
Marko Asmer (2003)
Martin Brundle (1983, 1988)
Max Wilson (1997-1998)
Mick Doohan (1998)
Mike Thackwell (1984-1985) Estoril Dez 1985
Narain Karthikeyan (2005-2007)
Nelson Piquet (1985, 2004)
Nico Rosberg (2002-2005)
Nicolas Minassian (1997)
Norbert Haug (1988)
Olivier Beretta (2003-2004)
Patrick Head (1993)
Perry McCarthy (1993)
Ricardo Sperafíco (2003)
Riccardo Patrese (1996)
Sam Bird (2007)
Scott Dixon (2004, 2003?)
Sebastian Vettel (2005)
Soheil Ayari (1997)
Tiff Needell (1991, 2005)
Tommi Makinen (1998)
Vitantonio Liuzzi (2002)

Williams will award the winner of the FIA Formula 2 Championship with a test

Wolf
Jackie Stewart (1978)

Vanwall
Stirling Moss (1954)

Zakspeed
Aguri Suzuki (1988)
Christian Danner (1988)
Csaba Kesjar (1987)
Hans Kauffman (1987) Dec 1987 Estoril
Joachim Winkelhock (1988)
Kris Nissen (1986-1987?)
Luis Perez Sala (1986)
Manfred Winkelhock (1984 and 1987) Dec. 87 Estoril
Norbert Haug (1987)

1989-1994 Bridgestone/Mugen Tyre Tests
Aguri Suzuki - Tyrrell (1992-1993)
Christian Danner - Reynard (1990)
Heinz-Harald Frentzen - Tyrrell (1993)
Johnny Herbert - Tyrrell (1992)
Mauro Martini - Tyrrell (1992-1994)
Paolo Barilla - Reynard (1989)
Volker Weidler - Tyrrell (1990-1992)

1996 Bridgestone Tyre Tests
Aguri Suzuka - Footwork/Ligier
Damon Hill - Ligier
Jos Verstappen - Footwork/Ligier
Tarso Marquès - Footwork/Ligier

2000 Michelin Tyre Tests
Jörg Müller - Williams
Max Wilson - Jaguar
Tom Kristensen - Jaguar/Williams

Tests That Never Happened
Andrea Montermini (Lola, 1997 - announced as test driver, but never drove the car)
Jacky van de Ende (Stewart, 1997 - awarded test, but never drove the car)

Oddities - Tests But Official Entries

- Bernie Ecclestone entered the 1958 Monaco and British Grand Prix in a private Connaught

- Stirling Moss entered the 1960 Monaco Grand Prix for Scarab for testing in practice after being invited by team owner Lance Reventlow

- Mike Hawthorn entered the 1956 Belgian Grand Prix for Maserati for testing in practice


Source:
http://cfm.globalf1.net//?page_id=100

The consolation thread is hardly more than a collection of excuses for the Webber fans and an opportunity to invent more conspiracy theories for those with more lively imagination. But the game can be played from both sides. I was prepared to give Mark Webber credit as a WDC if he had pulled it off in the the last round. He didn't and so this story was never written. Instead we wade through an ocean of self illusion which I'm not prepared to support. After a brief lip service to the man who beat their hero convincingly in the same equipment the Webber supporters fill pages after pages with their grief and crying. It needs a bit of counter balancing.

Could you clarify what you mean by "support"? He said himself he had equal equipment and he obviously had the support of his side of the garage. What more does he want? A cookie perhaps? He did a very good job this season, but he went about it the totally the wrong from the mental angle, especially near the end.

This Mark Webber against Red Bull charade was annoying like hell. Don't drive for the team if you don't like what you get.

It was never in Red Bull's interest to sabotage Webber and I'm sure there was never any intent to do that. They wanted the WCC after all. But Webber was right when he said his form in 2010 was an inconvenience to the team. And he certainly didn't get the support you'd normally see a team give a driver substantially in front of his team-mate with two races to go. No not team orders. I mean things like the last run in quali in Brazil or Abu Dhabi. Things like Horner coming out prior to Brazil and announcing the team will be built around Vettel in 2011 - I mean, what was the point of that? Way to make Webber feel on the outs. Dreadful timing. And then post-Korea having Gerhard Berger (close friend of DM) in an interview from Red Bull's Hangar 7 saying some spectacularly nasty things without anything to back it up. So much of the tension between SV and MW felt unnecessary and was a product of poor management IMO. It worked out for them in the end, but I'm not convinced they needed to make it so hard for themselves, or make Webber feel so isolated.

Webber was the one who was having his one man war against Red Bull while they were constantly saying that he got equal equipment and opportunity. It was very annoying for Vettel fans to have his reputation constantly smeared by the Webber PR machine. Gerhard is a great supporter of Sebastian's talent and gave him the car for his first victory in Monza 2008. Webber and DC were having by far more resources and were getting all the technical support from Adrian Newey months earlier than Toro Rosso. They could not match Vettel who beat them to glory by his talent and pace. Gerhard only told it as it was. Webber did not brake and knowingly allowed his car to become a hazard to the runners behind him. It is called "causing an avoidable collision" by the code.

Webber had the equipment and opportunity to become world champion... Whether Horner baked Webber cakes and Marko gave him backrubs is completely and utterly irrelevant. They gave him the car to go out to fight for a WDC. And they allowed him to do it. If they didn't want Webber in the WDC running, trust me they had 1 million ways to stop him without you or me ever being none the wiser. And consolation isn't synonymous with blaming everybody else. Consolation is comfort after disappointment. I fail to see why blaming everybody else is comfort.

well said

"It was a big day and we had the chance to do something incredibly unique, but in the end it didn't turn out for us."
Hard to feel sorry for Webber when he goes and says that. "Didn't turn out for us". Talk about sepparating yourself from the team...winning the WDC/WCC isn't enough? Oh wait, I guess he wanted personal glory...At least cranky pants didn't moan about being a "#2 driver". What a choke end to the season, just exemplifies how some drivers will never have a WDC mentality...

+1 Webber had it in his own hands to put a #1 on his car. He didn't and so he will have #2 next year.

I felt a bit of a disappointment that Dietrich Mateschitz did not go on the podium. He did great this season and all the years before. Unfortunately he is a very shy man when it comes to public appearances. He never goes on television if he can avoid it and he probably decided to send Helmut Marko instead. It was a fitting replacement as Marko had represented him for many seasons in F1. I'm sure most people around the world understood the gesture by the team towards their Austrian ownership.

Ok, now to the consolation bit. Mark Webber came back well from his injuries in 2008 which must have influenced his form in 2009. He drove a couple of good races and was often close to the pace which allowed him to pick up when one of the other contenders dropped the ball. He showed his experience in the qualifying under changing conditions such as Malaysia where he pulled out a 1.4 s lead and Spa. He also fully utilized his experience in Silverstone where he drove with a cool head and a hard hand. He generally used his great luck and the machinery he got to maximize his points. He deserved to be in the title race down to the wire and the place he got.

Alonso ... Never gave up despite having terrible machinery for half the season, and once he got his hands on decent machinery (3rd best car) he outscored the lot of them and won 2 races, beating a mclaren and bmw and finishing close to Kimi and widely acclaimed Kubica. The best driver of the season imo.

Hamilton...Was scrappy and made many mistakes but still dominated his team mate and won the wc in the second best car. Was lucky his main opponent was a fumbling Massa, otherwise he wouldnt have gotten close the wc though.

Kubica...Had a great 2/3's of a season but really fell away from Spa, and was outpaced by Heidfeld once the car started to become difficult. The jury is still out on him as to whether he can be complete or just fast in certain cars. Overall Solid, but overhyped in the end.

Massa...I think he made the most out of his limited abilities in the best car. He probably drove better than he was in the past but hes still not top class and was too inconsistent and made too many mistakes for a driver of his experience. I dont think he will get this close again.


Vettel...Had a great win and some good drives but i think hes been overrated as the car hes driving underrated. A Newey chassis and a ferrari engine is no joke so I dont think he worked the miracles many suggested. Even at Monza, that chassis dominted the front of the grid. Good season but jury still out.

Webber... Dominated his experienced team mate and never stopped trying. I think he will test vettel hard in 09.

I think if anybody needs to be introduced into the career of Michael they really need to look at 3 seasons first:

 

2000: A lot of preassure, driving a Ferrari, failing to win during the last 3 previous years, especially making a very bad move in 1997. And arguably racing against a faster Mclaren, he pulled it off.

1998: Just relentless, everything seemed to go wrong, tyres, superior Mclaren with Newey, fast Hakkinen, SPA with Coulthard and dramatic Suzuka. He still managed to fight it till the end. In fact, for me it's perhaps the most remarkable campaigns since I'm watching F1. Stunning.

1995: Brilliant, it's not getting appreciated enough because somehow Hill and Coulthard managed to make a total mess of the season. Imagine if it was Vettel driving that Williams. He would be crucified, no less.

 

bonus: return races in 1999. Just epic, and unexpected by no one. I remember the articles at the time, with various experts debating wheter he would ever be able to return to his form.

 

This is something that I miss with Lewis. Perhaps, he is even a better racer than Michael, but for me he lacks those very special seasons. He had his tough one in 2007 against Fernando. But after that? 2008 was really scrappy, almost looked like no driver wanted to win it. And everything in his Mercedes years can only be compared to Michael from 2001-2004. Yep, very similar, very impressive, fully deserved. But unspectacular and boring in both instances for both drivers.

 

Lewis's 2010 was very special, and I think very comparable to say a Schumi 1997. The racecraft he demonstrated in that season (the last without DRS) was some of the best in F1 ever (it was like Alonso's in 2012 but with even more of an edge to it). He had two imprudences in Monza and Singapore that were largely borne out of desperation at his equipment disadvantage as the Ferrari and Red Bull were out-developing them, and had already started the season from a better place. Without those two mistakes it would have been a better championship win than Prost's 1986. The McLaren could barely scratch any wins in the dry. There were multiple threats in the form of peers (Alonso) or people who were at least all-time greats (Vettel) as well as a formidable teammate (prime Button).

 

It's no coincidence that at all of the points when the field was most competitive (2009, 2010, 2012) Hamilton ended up being one of the heroes of the season. 

 

We're mostly going in circles because a contingent rightly (in my mind) declares that the driving competition in Shumi's heyday was wanting. Others counter that they only appeared so because Schumi rendered them so. But, as Atreiu has already said, Schumi can take wins, poles, podiums, championships (in other words, accomplishments) off of you, but he can't take away the caliber of driving you present to the viewer. And in that regard, your Alesis, Bergers, Hills, Villeneuve's, etc. are incontrovertibly some ways below, your Alonsos, Vettels, Verstappens, Leclercs, even Ricciardo, etc. 

Perez Malaysia 2012

 

Circumstances were very similar to Monza 2008 (and Perez started 10th)

 

Not really. Malaysia 2012 was a chaotic race in changing conditions (= results more affected by luck), while Monza 2008 had fairly constant full wet (but not to the extent that the race had to be interrupted) weather. And, of course, Perez did not win.

Vettel was the only driver in a Newey car who scored consistently in the second driver. Bourdois, Webber and Coulthard were all significantly slower than Vettel.

Toro Rosso in the second half of 2009 was on the same level as Force India now. And I don't think anyone wouldn't be impressive if Di Resta or Sutil would win race. Or from another point of view neither Hamilton nor Alonso won a race in a similar car.

 

Perez Malaysia 2012

 

Circumstances were very similar to Monza 2008 (and Perez started 10th)

 

(pin, grenade, throw)

 

 

Main problem is Newey used to have competition (back in the '90s and '00s) & Vettel is an absolute gun in the peak of his powers - but he's not Jesus (yet).

I think it's a combo of both, but mainly the car. It'll be interesting to see what Vettel can do in an inferior car. Monza 2008 comes to mind, but that was just one off. 

 

MS many times took terrible Ferraris to podiums and wins. Alonso is doing that too, last season, and this season as well. 

 

Will Vettel be able to do it?

 

3 out of the first 4 places on the grid for that race being Newey designs suggests it again wasn't completely down to Vettel. Of course he had to do the rest, but to suggest that the Toro Rosso was not a front-running package for that Grand Prix is missing the entire point.

DId you miss the start of the 2009 season ?

This is one of main pet peeves against Hamilton's fanbase. The claim that he proved himself in a bad car by getting a few points finishes followed by 5 consecutive races out of the points is a bit weak, isn't it? Because then how is what Vettel did at Toro Rosso, even back in his rookie year 2007 not enough?

 

The main problem with Vettel in his early F1 days was that he often found himself involved in incidents, but when he stayed out of trouble he was delivering constantly, even before Monza 2008, many ppl already saw him as possible future champion, nowadays many guys make it sound like Vettel's dominance came out of nowhere, it really didn't. He had obvious talent from day one.