Robin Frijns: This was hard work!

Robins Frijns has experienced a tough first day at the Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test, as the Dutchman got his first true taste of Formula 1 machinery behind the wheel of the Sauber C31. The newly-crowned World Series by Renault Champion ended the day 4th fastest overall, behind Gary Paffett, Antonio Felix da Costa and Kevin Magnussen.

Throughout the morning period, Sauber decided to run aero work with Frijns, as the young Dutchman got to grips with Formula 1 machinery and the Pirelli tyres. Despite his many laps around the Yas Marina circuit, Sauber did not send Frijns out with qualifying fuel level. With the 21-year-old having only run on Michelin tyres before, the Pirelli tyres were completely new to him, therefore presenting a tough challenge for Frijns in the opening day of testing.

“Gosh this was hard work!” Explained Robins Frijns, “Not in the beginning but then suddenly I felt it, especially from the brakes. I am really tired now and know I have to go and exercise more. In the morning we started with installation laps so that I could get used to the car and the steering wheel, which isn’t that easy. In the afternoon I found it hard to understand the tyre compounds. I had only driven on Michelin tyres before, and with the Pirelli medium and soft compounds it was difficult for me after only one lap. I had the feeling the more careful I handled them the worse it became. There is obviously a lot to learn.”

Robin Frijns will relinquish his drive with Sauber for the remaining two days, as reserve driver and GP2 driver Esteban Gutierrez takes over driving duties for the Swiss outfit. Robins Frijns will instead test for Red Bull on the third and final day of the Young Driver Test, taking over from GP3 driver Antonio Felix da Costa.

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