F2 champion to get Williams F1 test
The champion in the revived Formula Two series will receive a Formula One test with Williams as part of their prize
The test was announced during the official F2 launch event at the Williams Conference Centre.
Jonathan Palmer, chief executive of the MotorSport Vision company that will run the F2 cars and series, emphasised that the test would be a thorough evaluation of the champion's suitability for F1, rather than a token gesture.
"This is the biggest prize that anybody could possibly want," said Palmer. "The winner of this championship will receive a fantastic prize of a full test with the RBS Williams Formula One team, which will be run in such as way as to seriously evaluate the driver with regard to his potential as a Formula One driver.
"That test will be a proper, full-length test and it will be preceded by some time in the F1 simulator because this is going to be an extremely valuable opportunity where our winner, for his own sake, for the championship's sake, and for Williams's sake, will be able to demonstrate that he really has what it takes to be able to drive a Formula One car."
In another effort to style the F2 series as an F1 proving ground, the second race at each round will feature mandatory pitstops. However, there will be no tyre changes at these stops, and the drivers will simply remain stationary for 10 seconds before rejoining.
Palmer explained that the idea behind this rule was to train drivers in maximising their in and out-laps, and positioning their cars accurately at pitstops, but that he did not want external factors like fumbled wheel changes deciding race results.
"Pitstops are clearly a crucial part of Formula One, and we have thought carefully about how we can ensure that Formula Two provides valuable experience for the drivers," said the MSV boss. "And that is critical, to get experience of the in-lap and the out-lap, as well as accuracy of positioning.
"No tyre changes are permitted, because in Formula Two it would be wrong for the driver's result to be influenced by the competence of his pit crew. So cars will be required to be stationary for a minimum of 10 seconds.
"While stopping, the driver must push a button to start the timer. He needs to have his wits about him enough to be able to do that. The green light will illuminate after 10 seconds, and only after that may a driver leave the stop."
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