Formula 1
Virgin young driver test report day 1
At the tender age of just 17 years, Indonesian GP3 driver Rio Haryanto got his first taste of a Formula One car with Virgin Racing today at the Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi. Rio was at the wheel of the 2010 VR-01 for the morning session, while the ...
Published: Nov 17, 2010, 6:37 AM
Copy link
Share on Viber
At the tender age of just 17 years, Indonesian GP3 driver Rio Haryanto got his first taste of a Formula One car with Virgin Racing today at the Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi. Rio was at the wheel of the 2010 VR-01 for the morning session, while the team's current Test and Reserve Driver, Jerome D'Ambrosio, got his turn out on track in the afternoon.
Rio tentatively rolled the VR-01 out of the garage for an installation lap as soon as the circuit opened for running and it wasn't too long before he was able to fully appreciate the incredible acceleration and braking of a Formula One car. He completed two runs and a total of 21 laps during the session before a gearbox problem brought his running to an early conclusion.
This afternoon, Jerome continued to build on his recent race weekend experience in the VR-01, having driven the car during four Friday morning Free Practice 1 sessions. He completed five runs and a total of 45 laps.
Day two of the Young Driver Test will see current Virgin Racing Test Driver Luiz Razia in the VR-01 at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Rio Haryanto
"First of all I would like to say a big thank you to everyone at Virgin Racing for the incredible opportunity I have been given. The team have been very supportive and provided me with everything I needed, making sure I was 100% happy with the seat and the pedals and generally just trying to tailor everything to my needs. When I first got into the car I must admit I was very nervous, mainly because there were so many people working around me and watching me. In GP3 we have only two mechanics working on the car, but here there are 15 crew. I was very careful at the start of the installation lap but when I got to the back straight I decided to try to open up the throttle a little more. The acceleration was incredible, as was the braking.
"When I got out of the car my legs were shaking with all the adrenaline. We had some discussion and then I went out for a second time for my first proper run, which was for 10 laps, and I was really able to feel the huge power and massive downforce. Gradually my lap times were falling as I was able to build up more speed and see where I could brake later. After that I was very comfortable with the car but unfortunately we had a gearbox problem which prevented me from doing any more running. I was very impressed with how the mechanics were working so quickly to try to get me back out on track but it wasn't possible, so I was as disappointed for them as they were for me. Today has been the most incredible experience and I know just how lucky I am to achieve this so early in my career. It has made me even more focused and determined to work hard and reach my goal of being a Formula One driver."
Jerome D'Ambrosio
"Today was just another great day, after four fantastic days already in the car over the past few races. We completed the full test programme for my afternoon session and I was very pleased with my pace. I would now like to thank everyone at Virgin Racing and Gravity for working together to make this experience in the car possible. I have learned a great deal and it has been an invaluable step in my career."
John Booth, Team Principal
"We were able to successfully complete a busy test programme today, and both our young drivers did an excellent job. There was enormous pressure on Rio on his F1 debut but he coped with it admirably and was just getting up to speed when unfortunately a gearbox problem curtailed his morning's running. Jerome, of course, is quite familiar with the car from his Friday morning sessions, and as usual he impressed us with his calm approach and intelligent feedback as he worked through the test programme. Tomorrow Luiz Razia will take over the driving duties for us."
-source: virgin
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Ferrari young driver test report day 1
Next article Ricciardo leads the way in first young driver test
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Rio Haryanto
Honda to field Haryanto in Super Formula rookie test
Super Formula
Super Formula
Honda to field Haryanto in Super Formula rookie test
Haryanto says Formula E his "only option" for now
Formula E
Formula E
Haryanto says Formula E his "only option" for now
Ex-F1 driver Haryanto completes first Formula E test
Formula E
Formula E
Ex-F1 driver Haryanto completes first Formula E test
More from
Envision Racing
The reunited Formula E partnership that could finally flourish
Formula E
Formula E
The reunited Formula E partnership that could finally flourish
Envision Virgin reveals first two-seater electric formula car
Formula E
Formula E
Envision Virgin reveals first two-seater electric formula car
Powell joins Envision Virgin as Formula E sim driver
Formula E
Formula E
Powell joins Envision Virgin as Formula E sim driver
Latest news
Malthe Jakobsen completes McLaren's WEC Hypercar driver line-up
WEC
WEC WEC
Malthe Jakobsen completes McLaren's WEC Hypercar driver line-up
Fermin Aldeguer defends himself after Francesco Bagnaia crash: “It wasn’t a crazy move”
MotoGP
MGP MotoGP
Qatar GP
29 min
Fermin Aldeguer defends himself after Francesco Bagnaia crash: “It wasn’t a crazy move”
George Russell has lost 90 points to Max Verstappen in F1 2026 runner-up battle
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Sao Paulo GP
1 h
George Russell has lost 90 points to Max Verstappen in F1 2026 runner-up battle
Aprilia: “Marco Bezzecchi couldn’t avoid the collision; Marc Marquez moved in on him"
MotoGP
MGP MotoGP
Qatar GP
2 h
Aprilia: “Marco Bezzecchi couldn’t avoid the collision; Marc Marquez moved in on him"
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe