Newly-crowned GP2 Champion Davide Valsecchi has ended the Abu Dhabi Young Driver test fastest for Lotus, after setting an impressive 01:42.677 during the third and final day of track action. The Italian driver was followed home by the McLaren of Kevin Magnussen, with Sauber’s Esteban Gutierrez a close 3rd.
Although Kevin Magnussen was 2nd fastest throughout the day, the Dane took over from Briton Oliver Turvey after the morning session. Turvey ended the day 5th fastest overall, with the Red Bull of Robin Frijns between himself and Gutierrez in 4th. The Dutchman had previously driven for Sauber on the opening day, and took over driving duties in the RB8 from Antonio Felix da Costa for the third and final day.
GP2 runner-up Luiz Razia was back in action today for Toro Rosso, ending the day 6th fastest after completing 68 laps around the Yas Marina circuit. The Brazilian driver endued a tough return to track action with the Faenza-based outfit, suffering from fever as he strove to impress after a strong season in the GP2 feeder Series.
Bringing up the rear was American driver Alexander Rossi for Caterham, who also suffered a tough day in the office after suffering from an oil leak after his 14th run. This prevented the 21-year-old from completing any major running in the latter stages of the day, after taking over driving duties from the team’s reserve driver Giedo van der Garde.
This brings an end to the 2012 Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test, after a variation of drivers from GP2, GP3, World Series by Renault and DTM received valuable track action in Formula 1 machinery. The Formula 1 world now prepares to head to Austin in Texas for the United States Grand Prix around the brand-new Circuit of the Americas.
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| Pos | Driver | Car | Time | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Davide Valsecchi | Lotus E20 | 1:42.677 | 86 |
| 2 | Kevin Magnussen | McLaren MP4-27 | 1:42.827 | 51 |
| 3 | Esteban Gutierrez | Sauber C31 | 1:43.093 | 80 |
| 4 | Robin Frijns | Red Bull RB8 | 1:43.233 | 53 |
| 5 | Oliver Turvey | McLaren MP4-27 | 1:43.604 | 44 |
| 6 | Luiz Razia | Toro Rosso STR7 | 1:45.286 | 68 |
| 7 | Alexander Rossi | Caterham CT01 | 1:46.485 | 85 |