Busch would relish Formula 1 test chance
Kurt Busch says he would relish the chance of testing a Formula 1 car if an opportunity could be sorted out, as he got to grips with a proper grand prix circuit on Tuesday.
The former NASCAR champion visited last weekend's European Grand Prix at Baku as a guest of Gene Haas, and afterwards flew to Abu Dhabi for some laps of the Yas Marina circuit.
He took part in one of the circuit's driving experiences, which included running in one of its school single seaters.
NASCAR Cup champion Busch is no stranger to single seaters, having competed in the 2014 Indy 500, and has made it clear that he would be up for a run in an F1 car if it could be sorted out.
Speaking to Motorsport.com in Baku last weekend, Busch said: "I would love to have the opportunity, but for right now this is a visit – more of a cultural experience as well to show Gene how much I love motorsport and how much I respect him for how much he has done to start this up.
"You never know what bridge can lead to the next bridge, but being in front of people and being around the situation, it helps if there was a chance [to test F1].
"You knock the newness off with one trip, then you knock the newness off with a practice session somewhere in the off season. But it is difficult. There are only two cars per team and where is there a ride available in F1? There isn't."
F1 testing is extremely restricted, with in-season testing now limited to just the post-British Grand Prix for 2016.
And although Haas has to run drivers with less than two F1 race starts at that Silverstone test, the two days are more likely to go to Ferrari junior Charles Leclerc than Busch.
However, there could be scope for Busch to run in an old car if a team or manufacturer was interested.
Share Or Save This Story
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Verstappen issues Red Bull title warning in push for RB21 progress
Kurt Busch talks grief with CNN's Anderson Cooper and the loss of brother Kyle
Kurt Busch opens up on brother's passing in new TODAY Show interview
Kurt Busch releases first public statement after death of brother Kyle
Jorge Martin “made us feel wanted” amid current MotoGP struggles, says Yamaha boss
Alpine makes statement as Franco Colapinto-related abuse accelerates
Kyle Busch Remembered: Rowdy's most notable moments at Kansas Speedway
Alpine lost Fuji WEC victory by 0.591s because it “didn’t want to sacrifice a car”
Why Mercedes is still quicker than McLaren
Baku late-race chaos almost costs George Russell victory over Max Verstappen
How George Russell claimed his career-best pole margin in F1 Azerbaijan GP qualifying
How the chase to catch Mercedes is unfolding
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments