Dutchman will turn 17 just three days before session starts
Monday 29 September 2014 12:47, UK
Torro Rosso have confirmed Max Verstappen will make his Formula 1 debut at this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.
The Dutchman, who celebrates his 17th birthday in the build-up to the race, will take part in the opening 90 minute practice session at Suzuka.
Verstappen completed a 300km test in a 2012 STR7 at the Adria International Raceway earlier this month to earn his Super Licence and Friday’s outing will be the next step in his preparation for a full-time seat in 2015.
“I am very much looking forward to taking part in a Free Practice session at a Grand Prix for the first time. It is good preparation for next year, even if it’s not something I could have imagined a few months ago. To already be participating in a practice session is of course a dream come true,” Verstappen said.
“I have actually been to Suzuka before, to take part in a go-kart race on the track that is located next to the main circuit’s back straight. My dad has raced at Suzuka many times and he told me it’s not an easy track to start on.
“For me it will be a very valuable experience, spending some time in the car and also getting used to working with everyone in the team, to prepare myself for next year. I am not going there to break any records, I just want to gain experience. I have spent one day driving this track on the simulator, which helps a bit, but it’s no substitute for driving it for real.
“My first impression is that it’s not an easy track and for example it looks hard to get the combination right in the first esses. I have one and a half hours to drive there and I’m looking forward to doing a good job, for myself and for the team.”
Verstappen will become the youngest race driver in F1 history when he replaces Jean-Eric Vergne next season and whilst the team are yet to confirm which race driver will miss P1 in Japan, the Frenchman would seem the most likely as Daniil Kvyat will be making his Suzuka debut.
Other drivers to make their F1 debut during a P1 session in 2014:
Felipe Nasr – Williams (Bahrain)
Robin Frijns – Caterham (Bahrain)
Daniel Juncadella – Force India (Great Britain)
Susie Wolff – Williams (Great Britain)
Andre Lotterer – Caterham (Belgium) *completed full race weekend
Roberto Merhi – Caterham (Italy)
The 2014 Japanese GP is live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend. Extensive coverage of Race Day at Suzuka begins at 5.30am on Sunday with lights out at 7am.
