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Then another plus point for the Wunderkid since he won in the year (2008) before Newey was supposed to show his magic (2009 and beyond).... 

 

So much pro-Vettel spin...

 

Monza 2008 was unusual circumstances (rain affected qualy) and the STR3 wasn't a bad car i.e Newey, powerful Ferrari engine. But Vettel didn't even score another podium in 2008 so it really was a one-off circumstance.

 

But still a good win from a then likeable kid. But as I said, I can't stand the constant spin about anything-Vettel. "Wunderkid?"

But if he ever did come out & say it, his knockers would simply say he's making excuses for being beaten. Mark knows the deal & RBR has made it clear that team/car will being built around Seb. Seb is the future, unfortunately Mark is not, end of story.

Not to forget possibly 3+ (Multiple) World Champion, unfortunately Mark is not.

Although it sounds ridiculous, Webber can't really say anything regarding the car through his own performances!! I mean c'mon, whats he going to sell to convince Adrian Newey & co that the car should be built around him & not Sebastian Vettel ?? Nobody is going to say he's making excuses, but I can imagine the whole paddock, media & fans having a chuckle.... I mean he hasn't done anything spectacular to Demand his preferences. Vettel has.

Sebastian Vettel's time of saying build a car around me and I'll win you Championships started in Monza 2008, driving a Torro Rosso.
Mark Webber's time of saying build a car around me and I'll win you championships passed away in Korea 2010.

"I'd rather be the guy getting booed than the one standing on the second step right now." ~ Mario Andretti, Monza 2013 post-race ceremonies

 

Pretty much says everything that needs to be said, I think.

 

In pre-race Mario said: 'Sebastian Vettel is a rare breed that only comes along one in a long while and can extract the maximum from whatever you give him to work with" 

 

He is right of course.  Vettel has people saying that the 2008 STRF was a WDC car.  A WDC car!!  lol.  That is AWESOME!  Newey himself agrees Seb is special, but I guess he'd be considered a blinkered old man who doesn't know his foot from a front wing...

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.

 

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).

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 was in front because of Webber's usually bad starts or strategy mistakes(Malaysia, Spain), otherwise in the first 6 races Webber was faster, apart from Bahrain of course.
I understend that it's frustrating for you to see so much people, including Hamilton and Alonso trying to diminish Vettel's achivements, but you have to blame only Vettel, for his quite poor show when the car was not dominant and so planted as it's today.
On the other hand, it's poor show for some Alonso fanboys with this constant trolling about Newey and car. No driver won a WDC, by himself. It's a team sport.

Otherwise, can't understand Vettel's fans saying Seb was poor today, because all drivers made mistakes in Q3. It seems this track is certainly not easy to drive.

It should be much more frustrating for other fans to see how a young driver is kicking the Lewis and Alonso asses since 2010. And even much more for Lewis and Alonso. That´s why I doesn´t care about what they say.

Learn this, mate:

"When a true genius appears in this world, you may know him by this sign: that the dunces are all in confederacy against him." (J.Swift)
After 2008 win at Monza, Seb was a diamond, praised by all of the people in F1, the rookie of the year, the future... in the moment this "future" become "present"... Alonso and Lewis lost their "status" and records and inmediatly were frustrated. Its a common thing in sports and we have seen many times, there will be always one driver/sportman better than you. Always. And it will happen to Seb someday.

Wait 2 or 3 seasons without Vettel defeats and we will see a lot of people (including drivers) prasing him again.;)

Lets see how this 'special' driving style works in a non newey car that is super glued to the track. He was slower than bourdais until torro rosso got the updated newey chassis.

some funny statistic, between 1999 and 2010 NO Newey car delivered a championship. Drivers in those cars: Mika Hakkinen, David Coulthard, Kimi Raikkonen, Juan Pablo Montoya, Pedro de La Rosa, Mark Webber, Christijan Klien.
Another funny statistic: Between 9/10/2005 (Raikkonen Japan) and 14/9/2008 (Vettel Monza) no Newey car won a single race (although to be honest he didn't design a car in 2006. But fielded 4 in 2008)

one could conclude that even a Newey designed car is no guarantee for succes. (I will admit the RB7 is a great car, but it is no way near as good as the championship standings suggest.)

His special driving style would probably work just as well in any other car. It's about understanding the tyres. I dare to say he would not have te problems Alonso has at the moments. I don't doubt Vettel would get the harder tyres working on the Ferrari. He would probably score more points in the Ferrari than it has now.

some funny statistic, between 1999 and 2010 NO Newey car delivered a championship. Drivers in those cars: Mika Hakkinen, David Coulthard, Kimi Raikkonen, Juan Pablo Montoya, Pedro de La Rosa, Mark Webber, Christijan Klien.
Another funny statistic: Between 9/10/2005 (Raikkonen Japan) and 14/9/2008 (Vettel Monza) no Newey car won a single race (although to be honest he didn't design a car in 2006. But fielded 4 in 2008)

one could conclude that even a Newey designed car is no guarantee for succes. (I will admit the RB7 is a great car, but it is no way near as good as the championship standings suggest.)

The RBR on Webber hand´s is a similar car as McLaren this year. On Vettel hands... it´s one of the best cars. Easy. Even Jenson Button recognized.

You misunderstand me. I'm not doubting it was a fantastic win, but many people are of the opinion (like you say everyone is entitled to it) that there was no way the Toro Rosso could've won a race, but for Vettel. My point is that at Monza, it definitely was either the best or 2nd best car on the grid.

Well they may be saying the STRF couldn't have won but for Vettel, but you are saying that Vettel couldn't have won but for the STRF. What's the difference? To me, both arguments are disingenious.

It was clearly the combination of Vettel and the STRF that got the job done that day. But you can't discount the artistry and aptitude of either.

Of course Vettel was a part of it, but it was only 'against the odds' because of the team's history, not because of it's present (2008 of course) form. This wasn't a win in a Minardi, this was a win in an Adrian Newey-designed, Ferrari-powered full 'works' (in that it had the same developments as up at RBR) car that was run by old Minardi guys, a team who always ran their cars, however good they were, impeccably. The historical image of the team was no more, yet that is what makes up the bulk of the 'myth'... 'Vettel wins in Minardi' etc etc etc.

Well I see what you are saying - and looking at it from that perspective, you likely expected Vettel to pole and win - thus there was no excitement for you except that you ended up being right.

But most people were not as perceptive as you and were shocked at the pole. And even after the pole, they felt that the STRF wouldn't be first to the checkered flag. "A podium would be fantastic" claimed the BBC commentator, and as a fan of Vettel, I agreed and hoped he'd do it. However, I fully expected some of the better running cars to take and keep the lead during the race. As the race progressed, that didn't happen, and it was with growing excitement that everyone started to realize that he might not only get a podium, but if he kept it up, 1st. That was what was against the odds. Not the ability of the car which was clearly running fantastic on the day - but Vettel's performance as a rookie (he was still in his 1st full season behind the wheel), and the continued performance of the car (it was running well, but it was - alas - a midgridder, which means that everything could go completely wrong at any moment. If you need proof of that, check out what happened to his teammate in that STRF running great on the day.)

To add to the excitement and against all odds ideology:

-It was raining and drivers were having problems - good drivers. Vettel drove well, but his car had a few excursions during the race as well, yet he managed to keep it on track in first.

-It was the very first win for any of the Red Bull backed teams - building on the Minardi sure, but that is the whole point - they had to build on it and they did it. It was a great win for RBR and Minardi lovers could also celebrate from a historical standpoint. More importantly, the whole team and crew could celebrate as well - it was a stellar accomplishment in every aspect that went into race day from crew, to team, to company to driver, etc.

-It was Vettel's first win and pole and he happened to be the youngest ever driver doing so - in a mid grid car that was having the day of its life right along with him.

-It was Ferrari powered - and it was Monza - the crowd was insane. The car with italian roots; the italian engine; the italian anthem being played (in error, lol) - it was fantastic.

So that is a small snapshot of why it was a fantastic F1 moment to many (there are other reasons of course). Seb's onboard lap following the race evidences what most on the grid thought about it too. You should check it out if Youtube still has a copy.

Once the specific circumstances are considered - all of them - it is one of the 'great' wins in F1 history. Vettel was a part of it - as was his (increasingly better performing during the season) STRF. But that was just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many firsts associated with that drive/driver/car/team, and so many props going out to the many connected to the drive - and so many in F1 lauding it all before, during and after, it is rather ingenious of you to discount it as 'just another good win' among the many in F1. But perhaps you are serious, and everyone is truly welcome to their Honest opinion. I would have to disagree with you though, and I believe 99.9% of the world of F1 would too (if they were honest).

You misunderstand me. I'm not doubting it was a fantastic win, but many people are of the opinion (like you say everyone is entitled to it) that there was no way the Toro Rosso could've won a race, but for Vettel. My point is that at Monza, it definitely was either the best or 2nd best car on the grid.

Of course Vettel was a part of it, but it was only 'against the odds' because of the team's history, not because of it's present (2008 of course) form. This wasn't a win in a Minardi, this was a win in an Adrian Newey-designed, Ferrari-powered full 'works' (in that it had the same developments as up at RBR) car that was run by old Minardi guys, a team who always ran their cars, however good they were, impeccably. The historical image of the team was no more, yet that is what makes up the bulk of the 'myth'... 'Vettel wins in Minardi' etc etc etc.

You don't get it.

All that became because I said that the fastest laps are not the absolutely truth. And like I proved, I´m right.

Vettel was on the front and didn´t risked pushing, because he didn´t need. It´s logical and not too difficult to understand, a sign of maturity of the WC that became some years after Monza.

Vettel achieved the récord of points in Toro Rosso by so far. He did on 2008. Just 39 points, he achieved 35 for the team.

When he left TR the team achieved 8 points. And even with the new change of points in 2010... he still keeps the record.
(It´s normal Giorgio compared him with Senna not only qualyfing)

But we all know that Toro Rosso in 2008 was the fastest car and he needs a Newey car...

Very easy

It all depends on Newey.

some funny statistic, between 1999 and 2010 NO Newey car delivered a championship. Drivers in those cars: Mika Hakkinen, David Coulthard, Kimi Raikkonen, Juan Pablo Montoya, Pedro de La Rosa, Mark Webber, Christijan Klien.
Another funny statistic: Between 9/10/2005 (Raikkonen Japan) and 14/9/2008 (Vettel Monza) no Newey car won a single race (although to be honest he didn't design a car in 2006. But fielded 4 in 2008)

one could conclude that even a Newey designed car is no guarantee for succes. (I will admit the RB7 is a great car, but it is no way near as good as the championship standings suggest.)

some funny statistic, between 1999 and 2010 NO Newey car delivered a championship. Drivers in those cars: Mika Hakkinen, David Coulthard, Kimi Raikkonen, Juan Pablo Montoya, Pedro de La Rosa, Mark Webber, Christijan Klien.
Another funny statistic: Between 9/10/2005 (Raikkonen Japan) and 14/9/2008 (Vettel Monza) no Newey car won a single race (although to be honest he didn't design a car in 2006. But fielded 4 in 2008)

one could conclude that even a Newey designed car is no guarantee for succes. (I will admit the RB7 is a great car, but it is no way near as good as the championship standings suggest.)

some funny statistic, between 1999 and 2010 NO Newey car delivered a championship. Drivers in those cars: Mika Hakkinen, David Coulthard, Kimi Raikkonen, Juan Pablo Montoya, Pedro de La Rosa, Mark Webber, Christijan Klien.
Another funny statistic: Between 9/10/2005 (Raikkonen Japan) and 14/9/2008 (Vettel Monza) no Newey car won a single race (although to be honest he didn't design a car in 2006. But fielded 4 in 2008)

one could conclude that even a Newey designed car is no guarantee for succes. (I will admit the RB7 is a great car, but it is no way near as good as the championship standings suggest.)

If it would be so easy - just a better car than rest of them - then AN could sit in, drive it, and win as well. There would not need for Sebastian. Horner would be sitting in the second one. A lot of money would be saved that way.

some funny statistic, between 1999 and 2010 NO Newey car delivered a championship. Drivers in those cars: Mika Hakkinen, David Coulthard, Kimi Raikkonen, Juan Pablo Montoya, Pedro de La Rosa, Mark Webber, Christijan Klien.
Another funny statistic: Between 9/10/2005 (Raikkonen Japan) and 14/9/2008 (Vettel Monza) no Newey car won a single race (although to be honest he didn't design a car in 2006. But fielded 4 in 2008)

one could conclude that even a Newey designed car is no guarantee for succes. (I will admit the RB7 is a great car, but it is no way near as good as the championship standings suggest.)

Some people assume a Newey car guarantees success.

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.

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.

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

Strange how a driver with such an obvious claim to a top F1 team has spent 3 seasons driving cars that have little or no chance of winning in F1.

 

It is vital that to succeed in F1, assuming a certain level of talent, that drivers must be well connected and onside very early on in their careers. If you have to scratch around in mediocre or average machines for several years then you are in peril of your skills and motivation being squandered and becoming sidelined. The difference in the F1 careers of Vettel and Hulkenberg is startling, the former has gone from strength to strength, from memory starting off with a single BMW entry in 2007 followed by several drives with Torro Rosso, then 2008 with TR and the Monza win then straight to RBR with 4 wins and runner up in the WDC followed by 3 and now probably 4 WDCs in a row. Much of this, in my opinion, made possible by Newey designed cars.

 

In my opinion Nico Hulkenberg is at least as capable as Vettel but despite his many pre-F1 successes he has had to rely upon Williams, Force India and now Sauber. Is he less marketable than others, or is he unlucky that there are already three German drivers in regular F1 seats, why for instance, as others have commented, did McLaren choose the inconsistent and overly aggressive Perez instead of Nico?

 

Let's hope Hulkenberg gets the Lotus ride or something comparable/better soon.

 

Yes,  the differences in their careers are quite surprising given that both are the same age and raced together in karting in Germany. Vettel was "lucky" to get the Red Bull backing and then the BMW backing after impressing them in the Formula BMW, that meant two teams pushing for him to get a drive in F1 while Hulk was still in F3-A1GP and had to wait a lot more to get to F1. Maybe, if he hadn't rejected the Red Bull junior team, he coud be now in RBR instead of Ricciardo.

 

Also, he's unlucky because there are a lot of Germans in F1 so it's difficult to find sponsors.

 

Hopefully Lotus will give him a drive for next yeat and he will finally be able to show how good he is.

Strange how a driver with such an obvious claim to a top F1 team has spent 3 seasons driving cars that have little or no chance of winning in F1.

 

It is vital that to succeed in F1, assuming a certain level of talent, that drivers must be well connected and onside very early on in their careers. If you have to scratch around in mediocre or average machines for several years then you are in peril of your skills and motivation being squandered and becoming sidelined. The difference in the F1 careers of Vettel and Hulkenberg is startling, the former has gone from strength to strength, from memory starting off with a single BMW entry in 2007 followed by several drives with Torro Rosso, then 2008 with TR and the Monza win then straight to RBR with 4 wins and runner up in the WDC followed by 3 and now probably 4 WDCs in a row. Much of this, in my opinion, made possible by Newey designed cars.

 

In my opinion Nico Hulkenberg is at least as capable as Vettel but despite his many pre-F1 successes he has had to rely upon Williams, Force India and now Sauber. Is he less marketable than others, or is he unlucky that there are already three German drivers in regular F1 seats, why for instance, as others have commented, did McLaren choose the inconsistent and overly aggressive Perez instead of Nico?

 

Let's hope Hulkenberg gets the Lotus ride or something comparable/better soon.

 

It's quite simple: Vettel got a spot in the Red Bull Junior Squad and Hülkenberg didn't. Same as with Hamilton. He was picked up by McLaren, a Di Resta for example had to take the route via DTM and is now trapped in a Midfield Team.