Red Bull Racing has confirmed that Sébastien Buemi will continue as Red Bull Racing’s test and reserve driver for 2013. The 24-year-old will continue to work alongside race drivers Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber.
“We’re pleased that Sébastien has continued as test and reserve driver for the coming season,” said Christian Horner. “He joined the Red Bull Junior Team in 2004, has worked with Red Bull Racing in 2008 and 2012 and has significant race experience. He is an integral member of the team and will complete important simulation work for us throughout the year.”
Being a test driver must be a very frustrating experience knowing that you are unlikely to ever race.
… or ever get significant track time, for that matters.
Or even drive the car!
Nothing a good sized cheque won’t fix.
And hope will spring eternal that one of the other drivers develops flu
Being a test driver hasn’t exactly been a poor career choice for Pedro de la Rosa, Marc Gene, Gary Paffett, Luca Badoer and numerous others.
What does Buemi gain from being the test driver? Is there a realistic chance of him ever taking a vacant seat within RBR apart from if Webber or Vettel is sick or injured during the year? ie. Is he in the running to take over when/if Webber retires?
I am not an expert, but I would say that there are several gains:
1. A salary
2. He remains in formula1, in the current top team, so his skills and knowledge will be kept up to date and even if he does not get an offer to drive for RBR, he would be more attractive to other teams than someone who has not been active for a year or two (in F1)
3 He will most likely learn a lot, which also increases his value
And so on… So there are definitively benefits being a test driver I would say.
I see the problem being in the RB academy is that you don’t develop a network of outside sponsors. Many drivers develop this on their way through the formulas to get to F1. However, once you hitch yourself to the RB wagon, you’re entirely beholden to them. If you’re out, you’re left with nothing.