On Tuesday morning, Robin Frijns will take to Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina for his first official F1 test. The 21-year-old from Limburg will begin his adventure with Sauber before driving the championship-leading Red Bull car on Thursday. GPUpdate.net spoke exclusively with the Dutchman ahead of his seat fitting on Monday.
“Of course I have prepared myself, but whether you can fully prepare yourself for a Formula 1 test I do not know,” says Frijns, who has already spent two days in the Red Bull simulator. “You just see how it goes and do your best; hopefully it’ll be good enough and I’m able to let my talent do the talking over the course of this test.”
Frijns is ultra keen to make a strong impression, be it in a Sauber or a Red Bull
“The test with Sauber will be something special because I’ve really got that one based on my performances," he continues. "The Red Bull one was a prize by default for winning the Formula Renault 3.5 title. I am also in better contact with Sauber than with Red Bull, but of course they again have the best car in F1 this year. I just need to prove myself on both of the days.”
Frijns, who turned 21 in August, went on to reveal that he has twice turned down an offer to become part of Red Bull’s young driver programme. “Correct,” he confirms. “Twice I had offers, just after I won the Formula BMW Europe title (in 2010). The way they work the programme is just not for me. The deal for being there isn’t really fair and you can’t choose where you want to drive, so you lose such freedom. They determine which team you will race for, but personally I’m very sensitive about my teams...I want to be able to choose how I can help create something special. With hindsight, it’s worked out well for me.”
Sauber has already announced that Nico Hülkenberg will switch to the team from Force India for the 2013 F1 season. One vacant place remains at the Hinwil-based outfit.
"Do I want to become Hülkenberg’s team-mate?” Frijns jests. “Where do I sign?! To be honest, I don't care who my team-mate is. I just want a seat in Formula 1. Sure enough, that’s not very easy and especially for a Dutchman, but I’m doing my best. This test will have a massive bearing on my future.”
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