Nicolas Prost to drive at the Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test

Lotus F1 Team is pleased to announce that reserve driver Nicolas Prost has been selected as one of the drivers set to feature for the team at the upcoming young driver test in Abu Dhabi
French Connection – Nicolas Prost to Drive at the Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test

Having already fulfilled a range of duties behind the wheel as the team’s reserve driver this season, Nicolas Prost will now have the opportunity to hit the track at full speed during next month’s young driver test in Abu Dhabi.

With demonstration runs at the Goodwood Festival of Speed amongst a list of events attended thus far, Nicolas will be making his first competitive appearance with the team as part of the three day event at the Yas Marina Circuit.

In preparation for Abu Dhabi, Nicolas will be spending this coming Friday and Saturday [5th-6th October] at the wheel of the team’s 2010 car – the R30 – during private running at the Circuito de Navarra, Spain.

The Frenchman expressed his delight at being handed the drive, while also targeting a positive impact on the team during his time in the car:

Nicolas Prost: “This is a fantastic chance for me to gain experience at the highest level of motorsport, and I’m extremely grateful to the team for handing me this opportunity. I’ve now taken the Euroseries Championship in 2008, finished as the leading petrol car in the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice and am currently 4th in the World Endurance Championship – 1st of petrol car drivers – so this is an exciting next step in my career. I’ve been working with the team for a number of months already but this will be my first time driving the R30 in a competitive environment, so I’m aiming to make the most of my time on track while hopefully also providing the team with some useful feedback for the future.”

Similarly pleased with the announcement, Team Principal Eric Boullier spoke highly of his young compatriot whilst outlining the importance of the test in the development of the next generation of drivers:

Eric Boullier: “Nicolas has done a good job as our reserve driver this season and we’re delighted to offer him a place with the team at the young driver test next month. This is a great opportunity for up and coming drivers to gain hands-on experience in the category they will all be aiming for, and with the skills Nicolas has gathered across a variety of motorsport disciplines throughout his career so far we’re confident that this will prove a useful exercise for both team and driver alike.”

Lotus F1 Team will be announcing the remainder of its driver line-up for the young driver test in the coming weeks.