Alexander Sims confirmed his status as one of Britain's most exciting single seater prospects with an impressive performance during this week's official GP3 test at Jerez. The 22 year old ran with three different teams over the three day test and consistently finished towards the top of the timesheets.
He began the test with the ART Grand Prix squad, the team who ran him to fourth place in this year's Formula 3 Euroseries. The 2008 McLaren Autosport BRDC Award winner was instantly on the pace, setting the second fastest time in each of the days two sessions.
For day two, the MSA Team UK backed driver switched to the Tech 1 outfit, setting the eighth quickest time in the morning session, before improving to move into the top five in the afternoon session. For the final day, he moved into the Status Grand Prix team, ending both the day's sessions within the top three in the timesheets.
With GP3 a serious option for 2011, the test was vital for Sims to evaluate the series and the approach of three of the series' top teams. He enjoyed the opportunity, saying:
“The last three days have been a very interesting experience. Jumping from team to team each day isn't something I've done before but it was very productive and gave me a good insight into the differences between each approach. We were fast with ART and Status and although not quite as strong with Tech 1 on Thursday, it was still a good day.
“I got on top of the driving style required for GP3 quite quickly and definitely gained a good basic understanding of the car which will stand us in good stead if we end up in GP3 next year. The car as a whole is very different to what I've been used to in F3 but I think this week's test has shown we can be strong front-runners from the off in 2011 if it becomes our championship of choice.”
The 2008 Formula Renault UK runner up will be next out racing at the 57th Annual Macau F3 Grand Prix in November. He will be competing with the Räikkönen Robertson team at the famous Guia Street Circuit.
