Multiple reasons, too stressful situation for debut, even if the driver is fast, no telling what will happen under pressure, and mainly, they lose the benefits that he gets from taking part in Young driver test given the scarcity of testing.
This would be a sound choice. Valsecchi could be a risk and end up like d’Ambrosio last year (although he did have a KERS problem). Lotus probably have data on Kovalainen from his Renault days, and because he’s been doing FP1s he could get up to speed quicker than Valsecchi, whose most recent F1 car action was the young drivers’ test I believe.
I’ve heard some rumors that Sauber, using money gifted by Ferrari, have payed Hulkenberg to reinstate his contract stopping him from joining Lotus for the final 2 races, which would be the reason for him not driving the Lotus for the final to grand prix.
I’m surprised there’s still so much love for Kovalainen. He’s alright, but personally I would have preferred a new name given a chance. Poor Valsecchi. Hekki would be pretty rusty too, only a few extra FP1s here and there.
Yeah, I’m surprise by it, too. He’s a nice guy, but he’s not particularly quick. He admitted to giving up in 2012, and refused to go and find sponsors when he’s not one of those drivers who is fast enough to be in the sport on talent alone.