Russia's first Formula 1 test driver has backed Daniil Kvyat as he is snapped up by Ferrari for 2018.
Some are declaring that Red Bull refugee Kvyat's move to a development role at Ferrari is effectively the death knell for his career.
Yet Sergey Zlobin, who more than a decade ago became the first Russian test driver with his Minardi role, said that the idea of dead-end test jobs is an "incomprehensible stereotype".
"In fact, Kvyat has received a good and highly paid job," Zlobin told Sportbox.
"Yes, he will be seen less on TV, but he becomes a member of this elite team and if one of the Ferrari drivers has problems, he will get the chance to race.
"I would say half the paddock dreams of such a job."
The 2018 championship begins in Melbourne in March.