Williams want experienced driver in 2nd seat?

[John S]

No planned Friday outings on street tracks says reserve driver Bottas.               
Be a bit odd to keep him in the running for a race drive if they don't trust him with a car in P1 at street tracks.
So that leaves Rubens, Sutil, Petrov, Senna, oh and possibly Luizzi in the frame; did I leave anyone out???

Williams’ new reserve driver Valtteri Bottas will not start his Friday practice duties until after the 2012 season opener in Australia. The Finn will only start appearing in the Renault-powered FW34 in Malaysia, a week after the first race, Finland’s Turun Sanomat newspaper revealed.

The newspaper also said Finn Bottas, 22 and fresh out of the junior GP3 class, will probably not split his 2012 programme with a race seat in another category. "It might be better to invest 110 per cent in formula one," he is quoted as saying.

It had been said that the Renault World Series is an option.
"Nothing is decided yet, but I don’t think I’m going there," said Bottas.

Instead, his 2012 programme will be busy, comprising 15 Friday morning practices, perhaps some race outings and - according to Turun Sanomat - a day of pre-season testing and also a run during the mid-season test at Mugello.

As for his Fridays, Bottas said: "The intention is to do all of them (the grands prix) except for the street races." Excluded from his programme are Melbourne, Monaco, Canada, Valencia and Singapore.

Nextgen-auto.com, 5th Dec.

[Scott]

Yup - Heidfeld   

[Jericoke]

I suspect the 'no street track' testing would have two main reasons.

1)  Data collected probably isn't as useful as wide open race circuits

2)  Given their trickier nature, race day drivers could use the extra practise.

[cosworth151]

And......

3) Too easy to hit a wall & write off the car.

[David]

Heart says Rubens. Head says Sutil. 

[Scott]

Money says Heidfeld...c'mon, I can dream, can't I?   

[Dare]

And......

3) Too easy to hit a wall & write off the car.

you beat me too it Cos