Stevens 'as ready as possible' for F1 debut

World Series by Renault frontrunner Will Stevens insists that he will be taking a step into the unknown as he makes his F1 debut at Silverstone today [Thursday], despite extensive preparations for his run with the Caterham team.

Despite only being added to the Leafield-based team's 'Academy' scheme in late June, the Briton has been thrust into the line-up for this week's three-day Young Driver test at the home of the British Grand Prix, taking over from fellow development scheme member - and former WSbR rival - Alexander Rossi after the American opened proceedings on Wednesday (17 July).

The former karting ace will get a full day behind the wheel of the latest CT03, turning his first laps in an actual F1 cockpit before handing over to race drivers Giedo van der Garde and Charles Pic for the final day, but reveals that he has been given ample opportunity to acquaint himself with his new surroundings.

"Since the announcement was made about me joining the Caterham Racing Academy, I've settled in quickly with the F1 team and they've made every effort to help me prepare fully for my first run in an F1 car," Stevens, who currently sits fourth overall in the WSbR standings, confirmed, "I spent quite a bit of time last week in the simulator, so I'm comfortable with most of the systems I'll be working with and, while obviously nothing can really prepare you for the first time you drive an F1 car, I'm as ready as I can be."

Rossi ended his day in the car in tenth spot on the timesheets after hydraulic problems brought an early end to his run.