Hartley ‘ready’ for Formula One debut
AUCKLAND: Kiwi Brendon Hartley will make his Formula One debut at next Monday’s US Grand Prix.
The 27yearold will become New Zealand’s first F1 driver for more than three decades when he gets behind the wheel for Toro Rosso in Austin at the Circuit of the Americas for Friday’s practice as a replacement for France’s Pierre Gasly.
Gasly is out of the race because of commitments in Japan but is set to return for the final three rounds of the F1 season, Reuters reports.
‘‘The COTA is a track I really enjoy and one I have raced at recently. I’m trying not to put too many expectations on my F1 debut, but I feel ready for it,’’ Hartley said.
This year’s Le Mans 24 Hours winner and 2015 World Endurance Champion, he becomes the first Kiwi driver to start an F1 race since Mike Thackwell in 1984.
‘‘This opportunity came as somewhat of a surprise, but I never did give up on my ambition and childhood dream to reach F1,’’ Hartley said in a statement.
‘‘I have grown and learnt so much since the days when I was the Red Bull and Toro Rosso reserve driver, and the tough years I went through made me stronger and even more determined.’’
Hartley joins a small lineup of just nine Kiwis who have raced in the world’s top circuit racing category, carrying on the tradition established by Bruce McLaren, Denny Hulme and Chris Amon. His debut F1 race will come 50 years to the day since Hulme became the first, and only New Zealander to win the world F1 championship.
Hartley last tested for Red Bullowned Toro Rosso in 2009 and has not driven an F1 car since 2012. — NZN