Alguersuari backs F1 testing initiatives

The Spaniard became F1's youngest ever driver when he made his debut at last year's Hungarian Grand Prix aged just 19, with no testing experience behind him.

He says he had to use his eight races last year as testing time and will only be able to compete with his rivals after this year's pre-season testing, which began at Valencia this morning.

"Wednesday will be my first test," Alguersuari said. "Last year, every race, every Friday practice, every qualifying, was a test for me. For me, the race was a test, I could not compete against the others because I was at such a disadvantage."

When asked whether the plans by Anthony Hamilton and Stefan GP to allow young drivers to test year-old F1 cars are important, he said: "Definitely, yes. It helps. The more testing you have, the better you are.

"To have the opportunity to drive is always good. For me it was not like this so I had to do everything differently. It is important and positive, for sure."

Alguersuari still believes the testing regulations need to be changed to allow more running.

"Wednesday is going to be the first F1 test of my life. At least we have seven or eight days, last year I had none. I think it should change.

"On the test you normally do 500km. The most mileage I did last year was on a Friday when I did around 300km. For the physical and psychological sides, it's always nice to do long runs and experience the car.

"It should be good for everyone to have more testing, not just young drivers but to improve the cars. Maybe there is an economic limitation, but if we could deal with it, it would be good for everyone."