Tsunoda will drive for AlphaTauri in testing in Abu Dhabi

The young Japanese driver finished 3rd in the F2 championship this year and was awarded the Anthoine Hubert trophy as the best rookie of the 2020 F2 season.

As stated by Helmut Marko a few weeks ago, Yuki Tsunoda will indeed be driving the AT01 on December 15 in Abu Dhabi as part of the tests reserved for young drivers. The Red Bull junior driver will be behind the wheel of the 2020 car for the first time this season.

On the other hand, this is not the first time he has driven a Formula 1 car since the Japanese driver drove a 2018 Toro Rosso last month on the Imola circuit. A session in which he was able to cover 350 kilometers and gain experience in F1.

After his strong performance this season in F2 and the test in the AlphaTauri in Abu Dhabi, everything points to the belief that the Red Bull protégé will replace Daniil Kvyat at AlphaTauri next season.

Yuki Tsunoda reacted to this young drivers test:

« I am really looking forward to testing with AlphaTauri. I loved driving the team’s 2018 car at Imola a few weeks ago, and I can’t wait to try the current car, to participate in an official session with all the other cars on track. I truly appreciate the way everyone has helped me prepare for this session with AlphaTauri, and I also want to thank Red Bull and Dr. Marko for giving me this opportunity. During the session, I will follow the team’s instructions and provide my feedback to the engineers. It will also be a chance to learn as much as possible and foster my personal development. »

Franz Tost, the director of AlphaTauri, welcomes the Japanese driver with joy for these tests:

« Yuki showed during the test in Imola that he learns quickly, is able to easily familiarize himself with the car, and can constantly improve with each lap. We have therefore decided to have him with us for the test dedicated to young drivers, on Tuesday after the race. I am convinced that he will make significant progress by spending a full day in the car. This time, he will drive the AT01, so his feedback will be even more valuable for the engineers. It’s great to see that the Red Bull program can prepare young drivers so well, and I have no doubt that he will demonstrate his talent once again. »