Testing ban hurts young drivers in all series

Since the start of the 2009 season, in-season circuit testing has been strictly forbidden in Formula 1. While this may help to cut costs significantly, World Series by Renault driver Stefano Coletti admits that opportunities have been slashed for upcoming drivers.

Monaco-born Coletti has experienced a mixed season in with Comtec in Formula Renault 3.5 this year and now hopes to switch to GP2 in 2011. However, although Formula 1 remains a naturally aim for the 21-year-old, he admits that the path has now become narrower.

“I think that’s the biggest problem for the young drivers because why would a Formula 1 team put money on a young kid who has no experience instead of putting somebody in with experience, who can bring the points home?" he told GPUpdate.net’s Gregory Haines of the testing restriction.

“As we all know, points in Formula 1 are worth a lot of money; I can understand why they don’t take young drivers but, like you say, for me the testing ban is what makes it difficult for us, the young drivers."

AutoRacing1.com staff feels that the testing ban in all series, brought about to cut costs in this strapped economy, has hurt young drivers everywhere.