Auer and Mazepin to test Mercedes F1 car

Lucas Auer

After the DTM race weekend in Russia, Mercedes-AMG Motorsport DTM driver Lucas Auer will be stopping off in Budapest.

There will be two Formula 1 test days at Hungaroring in the week after the Hungarian Grand Prix (28th – 30th July).

This is the framework within which the Austrian will be making his F1 test debut for Sahara Force India. “This is really exciting news – the most wonderful moment of my life so far," says Lucas. “My childhood dream of driving an F1 car is about to come true. I am especially proud to be given this opportunity at Sahara Force India, one of the top teams in Formula 1."

Also invited along is Russian Formula 3 driver Nikita Mazepin. They will each spend half a day in the car on either Tuesday or Wednesday.

Three questions for Lucas Auer

Lucas, it was announced yesterday that you’ve been invited to a Formula 1 test for Force India. How do you feel about that?

Lucas Auer: Obviously, this is a dream come true. It’s something I’ve been working towards all my life. But again, the focus has to be on the DTM.

But isn’t it difficult in the circumstances to maintain that focus?

Lucas Auer: Not at all. I’m not thinking about the F1 test yet. This weekend, we have DTM races in Moscow. That’s what I’m concentrating on and working towards. I’m in my third year and have at last got myself into a superb position regarding the championship, so I’d have to be stupid to allow myself to become distracted.

How do you rate your chances for the weekend?

Lucas Auer: It’s going to be brutally tough, especially on Saturday. I already see Audi as the favorites. We have to make sure that we finish in the points and come away with as many as possible. Hopefully, we’ll get more out of Sunday. Our objective must be to stay somewhere near the top.