Jordan King replaced Esteban Ocon in the Manor Racing MRT team for opening practice at the Yas Marina Circuit on Friday, and finished twenty-first fastest, 1.100 seconds down on team-mate Pascal Wehrlein.
The British racer felt positive that he was doing something to help out the team in Abu Dhabi as he worked to address some of the problems that have blighted the team, and in particular Ocon, in recent races, but expressed his delight to be back driving a Formula 1 car once more before refocusing on his final race of the season in the GP2 Series.
“Well, first of all it’s great to be back in the MRT05 for a second time, so thanks to the team for having me back,” said King. “My programme was quite different to Austin, specifically helping to address some of the problems that Esteban has been experiencing with the car over the past couple of race weekends.
“It’s the best feeling to drive a Formula 1 car anyway, but even more so when you know that what you’re working on will have a direct impact on the progress the team can make over the race weekend.
“I learned a lot myself and so did the engineering team. So, I guess today feels even more rewarding, but with no less of a wow factor than Austin.
“Now I switch back into full GP2 mode for the rest of the weekend but with an even bigger spring in my step than usual after this morning.”
