Formula 2 title leader Nikola Tsolov is “hopeful” of further Formula 1 tests after making his much-anticipated maiden outing with Racing Bulls.
The Bulgarian, part of Red Bull’s junior programme, was finally handed the chance to prove his worth amid long-standing rumours of keen interest to promote him to its full F1 roster.
Tsolov’s performances in F1’s premier feeder series have put him firmly on the Milton Keynes-based squad’s radar, and deploying him to its TPC programme may have served as a useful analysis.
Driving last year’s VCARB 02, Tsolov completed 690 kilometres at Imola and admitted he was unable to “fully comprehend” the joint-achievement.
“First TPC day in a Formula 1 car done, and I’m super happy with how today went,” he said. “I really enjoyed every lap and it’s difficult to put into words what it means to finally get this opportunity.”
“A massive thank you to VCARB and the Red Bull Junior Team for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. It’s something I’ve been working towards my whole life, so to finally experience it is pretty incredible.”
“I still don’t think I’ve fully comprehended what we achieved today, but I enjoyed every lap and hopefully I’ll get the chance to add some more kilometers soon,” he added.
Racing Bulls’ Team Principal, Alan Permane, told media, including Motorsport Week, at Spa that whilst Tsolov was ‘on the radar’, they were “not thinking about him,” adding: “He’s doing his job. We’re doing our job. And we’ll wait when he comes up to race, of course.”
But Permane was quick to acknowledge that days such as Tsolov’s maiden outing are an example of how Red Bull’s “pathway” reaps rewards.
“Today was a really positive step for Nikola,” he said. “He adapted quickly to the car and showed the composure you want to see from a driver taking on an F1 car for the first time. The outing is part of the ongoing development plan the team runs for its junior drivers, giving them the tools, the mileage, and the environment to develop.”
“We’ve seen time and again what this pathway can produce, and it’s days like today that are part of how we keep building it,” he concluded.
Tsolov will be hoping to extend his Drivers’ title lead in F2 when the championship arrives at Monza over the Italian Grand Prix weekend next week.
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