Anthony Hamilton sets up F1 Testing Academy running own fleet of 2009 F1 cars!

[Giuseppe F1]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81095

Hamilton launches F1 test academy
By Mark Glendenning
Thursday, January 28th 2010, 11:24 GMT

Anthony Hamilton is planning to run a fleet of 2009-spec Formula 1 cars in an effort to help young drivers gain mileage in current grand prix cars without being constrained by the testing restrictions, today's AUTOSPORT reveals.

The father of 2008 world champion Lewis, Hamilton intends to lease year-old cars, along with equipment and personnel, from teams and run them independently in a programme called the GP Prep Drivers Academy.

He has already agreed terms with McLaren for the supply of two cars, and is in advanced talks with other teams.

Hamilton said that the idea was to give young drivers who would otherwise not get a chance to test an F1 car a chance to prove their potential........

........"There are guys who don't get a look in. The idea with GP Prep is to provide more of an opportunity for young drivers to be spotted."

Costs are still being determined, although it is expected that a day's testing will require a similar budget to a weekend of racing in a high-level open-wheeler.

Deals are also being finalised with circuits, although it is anticipated that most running will take place in the UK. The programme is expected to be launched in March.

[Giuseppe F1]

Doesnt this sound a lot like what Stefan GP had hoped to do?

[Mark]

But doesn't running 2009 cars in any format amount to 'testing' and is hence banned?

[wedge]

I'm just wondering how this will be funded. I'm assuming drivers will have to pay to enter
?

[Dave B]

With testing all but banned, this could be a sound move. He may end up with a lot of mangled wreckage, or he may just discover the next... er, Lewis Hamilton.

[Mark]

I'm just wondering how this will be funded. I'm assuming drivers will have to pay to enter
?

Yes, that's the idea. Or rather they'll be funded by their sponsors or F1 teams that wish to asses them etc.

[I am evil Homer]

Doesnt this sound a lot like what Stefan GP had hoped to do?

Except more legitimate and backed by McLaren already. It's a good idea and i'm all for it with testing hugely limited.

[Dr. Krogshöj]

But doesn't running 2009 cars in any format amount to 'testing' and is hence banned?

The teams won't run those cars, a private company will. Nothing to do with the F1 regulations.

[Bagwan]

The teams won't run those cars, a private company will. Nothing to do with the F1 regulations.

Isn't it a rather grey area , though , if it's an existing team that is paying for the ride ?

Is there a rule in place to stop teams who have a driver who is struggling to come to grips with the F1 platform from dropping him into one of these cars ?
I don't think it's a bad idea , if possible , but it's not in keeping with limitted testing cost saving measures that seem to be the focus elsewhere in the rules .

That StefanGP talked about this may be of little consequence anyway , if they get a spot because one of the others fails .
It's more likely that it just served to speed up this Anthony Hamilton announcement , and was likely intended as such .

[Sonic]

I'm not "against" the idea but what a ridiculus situation to be in! Teams can't test their up and coming stars so now someone (namely Hamster snr) is going to get very rich out of it - dumb!