Sidepodcast

Who Are They, Anyway - McLaren Young Drivers

Welcome to another in depth investigation in the drivers who will be turning up to the Jerez Young Driver test this week. Mr C and I are baffled by the number of names we have never heard of, so we decided to do some research and share our results with you. Today we're turning our attention to McLaren.

Oliver Turvey

• Age: 22
• Nationality: British
• F1 Experience: None
• Notable Achievements: BRDC Young Driver of the Year 2006, 2nd in British Formula Three 2008, 4th in World Series by Renault 2009

McLaren are continuing their British driver line-up by offering Turvey a test this week. In 2008, he finished the F3 championship behind his teammate Alguersuari, and in 2009, he was partnered with Jaime again, but finished ahead of him in the championship. In fourth, he was the best placed rookie of the season. McLaren are planning to give him a run this week as part of his prize for winning the 2006 McLaren Autosport BRDC Award.

Oliver has big plans: "My aim is to enjoy the experience, but also to learn as much as I can from it. If possible, I'd also like to be able to help the team with their preparations for the 2010 season."

It's unclear at the moment how many days Turvey will be in the car for. Martin Whitmarsh says: "I'm sure Oliver will use this week's test as the perfect opportunity to broaden his experience..." which could mean one day or it could mean many days experience.

We will add Oliver to the test schedule when we know more.

Gary Paffett

• Age: 28
• Nationality: British
• F1 Experience: McLaren test driver
• Notable Achievements: 2005 DTM Champion

Paffett doesn't really fall into the young driver category, but his lack of recent racing means he is eligible to drive. Paffett has been with McLaren for as long as anyone can remember, winning the DTM Championship in 2005. He did not return to defend his championship, instead moving to Formula 1 as a full time test driver, alongside Pedro de la Rosa.

Since then, he has been linked with several race seats, including McLaren and potential drives with new teams, however, it has never seemed likely that he will make the jump from testing to racing.

We will add Gary to the test schedule when we know more.