Renault on young driver test: "Should see it more as reducing his disadvantage"

It was a decision that was met with a great deal of criticism. Fernando Alonso was allowed to take part in the Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi. A double world champion should not take part in a test intended for young drivers, according to many. According to Marcin Budkowski, Renault's top driver, Alonso did not benefit at all from the test.

"I think you should see it more as reducing his disadvantage, he hasn't driven Formula 1 in the last two years," explains Budkowski to Motorsport.com. The question eventually became whether drivers like Carlos Sainz and Daniel Ricciardo were also allowed to take the Young Driver Test for their new teams, in order to get used to all the systems.

Getting used to the systems

"I understand that it is difficult for Carlos or Daniel to get used to a new team. There is a lot to learn, different ways of working, new engineers. But in the case of Fernando, the point is that he hasn't driven in the last two years," Budkowski explains. That's why he doesn't think it's weird to give him some time on the track.

"That's what we're trying to do. Also, of course, with the 2018 car to get him back into rhythm, to get him back to the physical level like his neck. That's what he needs," concludes Budkowski.