SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

Sauber's Sirotkin to test 2011 car

Sergey Sirotkin will begin his F1 testing programme in a 2011 car just after the current season is over.

Sergey Sirotkin will begin his F1 testing programme in a 2011 car just after the current season is over.

The Russian teen, who is at Monza this weekend, and his Sauber boss Monisha Kaltenborn said on Thursday the track programme in a two-year-old car will begin at the end of October.

Finland's Turun Sanomat newspaper said the programme will involve 10 to 15 days at the wheel of a 2011 car, even though it is unknown if the old chassis will be a Sauber or Ferrari.

Sirotkin, 18, said the plan is to get a F1 super license.

"I don't have much information about what I have to do, but I know I have to perform well," he is quoted by Russia's f1news.ru.

"I believe I will succeed."

Kaltenborn is quoted by Germany's Auto Motor und Sport: "We have to prepare him physically, so we want to give him test kilometres in a 2011 car.

"The dates and the tracks are not yet finalised, but the tests should take place shortly after the end of the season.

"We are also planning some work in a simulator, but we still need to clarify when and where," added Kaltenborn.

Sirotkin also said at Monza he does not know who his 2014 teammate will be.

"I don't think it's time to address this issue," he said.

"As for me, in Moscow I signed a contract for 2014, so everything is going according to plan."

(GMM)