Thread: Test driver, is it a good start?

Hamilton started his fantastic racing career being a test driver. Do you think it is a good way to start your career in the same field? Will you get better luck if you use this way than if you do the "normal" way?

I think it's definitely a less conventional way to go about it, as you aren't bound to get noticed by anyone while test driving cars. If you're willing to do the work on the side to put yourself out there, though, it definitely can't hurt for your resume!

It works for F1 I think. I've seen drivers coming up through the ranks there, beginning by being test drivers. Even in NASCAR, doing things for teams is a way to get noticed.

If there's a will there's way, whatever way it would be. There is nothing wrong becoming a race car driver from being a test driver. I think they even have an edge to those drivers who have made their through conventional racing because test drivers feel how the cars are doing. They can use that advantage while racing by knowing the capacities of the car they're driving.

I believe that the talent scouts are always aware of every potential drivers they find. Being a test driver is a great way to get noticed. That's why I think it can be a good option for building career as a driver in this field.

I wonder how they got started with the test driving.It sounds pretty interesting to me. I agree, I bet it would be an advantage to start by knowing how the cars were running and going to fall apart.

There is knowledge and experience, but it also takes a ton putting both together and having things work right. You can know one and not the other and still be just as bad as someone that knows neither. I still think it takes practice though, lots.

Being a test driver would definitely give you the advantage of knowing how a car handles and the little things that don't sound or feel just right.

That's true, Speedydemon. Being a test driver, not only you have a cheap way of building your racing career, but as you are working, you also get paid well for doing it.