McLaren confirm young driver test plans

McLaren have confirmed their Abu Dhabi Young Driver test plans, with Kevin Magnussen joining reserve and test drivers Oliver Turvey and Gary Paffett. The three-day test is scheduled to take place the week after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and will feature reigning Champions Red Bull along with the likes of Lotus and Sauber.

Although it has not yet been confirmed who will drive on which day, it was confirmed earlier in the year that 20-year-old Danish driver Kevin Magnussen would join the Woking-based outfit during the test. The son of former F1 driver Jan Magnussen will enjoy his first taste of Formula 1 machinery alongside McLaren regulars Oliver Turvey and Gary Paffett.

This test week will be Oliver Turvey’s fifth outing with McLaren, and his second of the year after the 25-year-old partook in the Mugello mid-season test back in May. Back then, the Briton was joined by fellow countryman Gary Paffett, who has been associated with McLaren in a test driver role since 2001.

The 31-year-old has since enjoyed a highly successful career in the German DTM series, which has included 18 race victories since 2004. Paffett will join both Magnussen and Turvey, in what will be his 10th test outing with the team. Gary Paffett has contested each of the previous two Young Driver Tests at the Yas Marina circuit, and continues to be a valuable asset to the Woking-based outfit.

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