F1 debut - Jaime Alguersuari - the youngest F1 driver in history...!!

Formula One news: 'My name is Jaime Alguersuari' - GPUpdate.net Formula One

19-year-old Spaniard Jaime Alguersuari makes history this weekend by becoming the youngest ever driver to compete in a Formula One motor race. Born in Barcelona and current title holder of the British Formula 3 Championship, Jaime will be replacing Sébastien Bourdais alongside F1's only rookie of the year so far, Sébastien Buemi.

With a first name which literally translates to 'James' in English, Jaime is aware that his own names are not the easiest when being pronounced by foreign journalists. "I know it's a little bit tough," he laughed in his first ever press conference at the Hungaroring on Thursday. "My name is 'Heimi Al-gay-shuari'.

With no driver changes for the entire season last year, the modification to Toro Rosso's line-up is the first in F1 since Kazuki Nakajima joined Williams at the 2007 Brazilian Grand Prix. "To be honest, I have done just two (straight line) aero tests," admitted the new driver who, with in-season testing banned, has had no chance to drive the STR4 on a full circuit. "For sure, I am really happy to be here, to learn the car and learn a new situation but at the end it is just another car for me, another car in my racing career, in my life - I am very happy to drive and I am looking forward to it."

Thankfully, the newcomer does have experience of the Hungarian circuit from previous racing formulae as he becomes the second representative of his country, after Fernando Alonso. "They wanted another Spanish driver, so they have it now," he continued. "I'm relaxed, I know what I can do, I know what people expect from me and the most important thing is that I know what I have to do; it's another car, another race in my racing career and it's just one steering wheel and two pedals like everything - that's the target: to learn and to drive."

Has the new boy been introduced to his compatriot? "We had a talk this morning," he replied. "He obviously congratulated me for getting the seat. He's very happy and he told me to have fun and enjoy the moment and that's what I would say to another driver if it was the same situation."

This kid has really raised a few eyebrows. See the response of some of the senior F1 drivers:

Massa: Felipe Massa believes that Formula One new boy Jaime Alguersuari should have delayed making his first appearance in the sport. Whereas the Spaniard is keen to enter and learn as soon as possible, Massa believes that - from his own experiences - rushing is no solution.

"For me, he's too young," Brazilian Massa said on Thursday. "When I came into Formula One I was just 20 and for me it was also quite young - I was too inexperienced to ask for what I needed from the car, so I made some mistakes."

Formula One news: 'He's too young' - Massa on Alguersuari - GPUpdate.net Formula One

Alonso: With Alonso having been only three months older than Alguersuari's current age when entering the sport with Minardi in 2001, the double World Champion of 2005 and 2006 in sure that there are no issues over age. "I see no problem with a debut at 19, I did it!" he told Spanish reporters. "If you start as young as possible in Formula One, or in any sport, you have more time to develop."

Formula One news: No problem with teenagers, says Alonso - GPUpdate.net Formula One

Webber: Earlier on in the Grand Prix weekend, Ferrari driver Felipe Massa told the press that he believes Alguersuari is too young to race in Formula One and should gain more experience first. This was backed up by Red Bull driver Mark Webber, who feels that the sport is becoming a 'learning school' for young drivers

Vettel: Webber's team-mate, however, does not agree. "I heard Mark was not too happy about the fact that Alguersuari is racing this weekend but I think that, if there is anything to criticise this weekend, it is not him but the rules in F1," said Vettel.

Formula One news: Vettel defends Alguersuari position - GPUpdate.net Formula One

There are a few points to ponder, however.
Alguersuari has never driven an F1 car in a circuit prior to his debut this Friday. He has only two straight line, aerodynamic runs in Italy to his credit thus far.

Isn't this under-preparation? Even if Alguersuari performs well this weekend, shouldn't there be some minimum qualification and racing requirements before an F1 debut..?

Originally Posted by hpindia

There are a few points to ponder, however.
Alguersuari has never driven an F1 car in a circuit prior to his debut this Friday. He has only two straight line, aerodynamic runs in Italy to his credit thus far.

Isn't this under-preparation? Even if Alguersuari performs well this weekend, shouldn't there be some minimum qualification and racing requirements before an F1 debut..?

It's Ok to enter at 19. But, he has not enough experience.

I think he needs some more experience.

Be ready to see some crashes from him.................