ART Grand Prix‘s Alexander Albon claimed the top spot in the final practice session of the 2016 GP3 Series, ahead of fellow title rival Antonio Fuoco and series leader Charles Leclerc.
After a seven week break from track action the GP3 season finale got underway at Abu Dhabi with much still to play for. The early pace was set by Arden International‘s Tatiana Calderon from Giuliano Alesi before Jake Dennis took over the top spot. The Briton bettered his time before being joined by ART men Nyck de Vries and Leclerc.
After the driver’s returned to the pitlane for some fresh rubber the times came in thick and fast.
Jack Aitken found some extra pace to go to the top of the timing screens, but as the times continued to tumble Albon shot back up clocking a time one tenth faster than the Arden driver. DAMS‘ Santino Ferrucci led the pack for a brief time before Leclerc bettered it to take P1.
It swiftly became a battle of the title contenders with Albon reclaiming the top of the timesheet, and also becoming the only driver to break into the 1m56s bracket. Fuoco set the fastest time in sector one on his way to being second fastest.
At the chequered flag Albon remained in the top spot ahead of Fuoco and Leclerc. Completing the top ten were: Ferrucci, De Vries, Nirei Fukuzumi, Alesi, Alex Palou, Jake Hughes and Artur Janosz.
Yas Marina Circuit Qualifying Results
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