Photo: Formula Two
2012 FIA Formula Two champion drives last year’s car in private test at home of British motor sport…
Luciano Bacheta has had his first taste of Formula 1 machinery after completing his test with Williams as a prize for winning this year’s FIA Formula Two Championship.
Unlike previous F2 champions, 22-year-old Englishman Bacheta was unable to take part in a proper official F1 test in a current-spec car after Williams ran their Young Driver Test at Silverstone in July. He was therefore forced to run in a private session at the same circuit, in the team’s uncompetitive FW33 car from 2011 rather than the FW34 that won this year’s Spanish Grand Prix.
His day began on a damp circuit, before conditions improved enough to run slicks in the afternoon.
“Today’s gone very well for me,” said Bacheta. “I’ve had a good mix of wet and dry running which has been a perfect way to learn how the car works and adapts. Just to be around a team like Williams is a special experience and I’ve gained so much from the day.
“I’m still taking it all in and I am sure that it won’t be until I go away and reflect that I’ll realise quite how brilliant it was. The car is just a pleasure to drive, better than anything I’ve driven before, so I’d love to have some more experience of Formula One in the future.”
Sir Frank Williams added: “I’d like to pass on my congratulations to Luciano for winning the F2 title, a feat made all the more impressive by the way he achieved it with an unprecedented four consecutive wins at the start of the season. No doubt he learnt a lot from today?s experience and it will stand him in good stead for his future career which looks very promising indeed.”
It remains to be seen what Bacheta will be doing in 2012, with opportunities in F1 limited and without the sizeable budget required to move on to GP2.