Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2011: Free Practice 3 Times
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Lewis Hamilton was fastest in the final practice session before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, setting a time of 1:38.976
Jean-Eric Vergne was eleventh fastest during Free Practice 1 as he made his second appearance for Toro Rosso in a friday F1 session. The French rookie was less than 0.3 seconds off the pace of Jaime Alguersuari, who was in the other STR6 for the morning run-out.
Renault failed to make an impression on the top ten during Friday practice in Abu Dhabi today, but GP2 champion Romain Grosjean impressed during FP1, beating Vitaly Petrov by half a second.
Mercedes concentrated on race preparations during the two 90-minute Friday practice sessions in Abu Dhabi today, mainly focusing on long runs and heavy fuel loads. Michael Schumacher finished the day seventh fastest, whilst Nico Rosberg was down in twentieth. However, both were satisfied with the work done over the course of the day.
Sebastian Vettel lost some track time during FP2 in Abu Dhabi today after sliding off track and crashing into a barrier at Turn 1. The Red Bull driver managed to get out on track again before the end of the session however, and finished the day sixth, one place behind team-mate Mark Webber.
Fernando Alonso had his running cut short in Abu Dhabi today after careering off the track during FP2 in Abu Dhabi.
Both McLaren drivers are feeling positive this evening after each topped the timesheets during a free practice session in Abu Dhabi today. Jenson Button was fastest in the morning session, and Lewis Hamilton was quickest in the afternoon on a day where McLaren looked as though they would be the team to beat at the Yas Marina circuit this weekend.
Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time during Friday practice in Abu Dhabi today, setting a lap time of 1:39.586.
Venezuelan Johnny Cecotto Junior has been selected by Force India at next week’s Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi, alongside Max Chilton, who was confirmed by the team earlier this week.
Mercedes have today announced that they have agreed a ‘multi-year’ contract extension with Nico Rosberg that will see the driver remain at the team for the 2013 season ‘and beyond’.
Proton, Group Lotus, 1Malaysia Racing Team, and its owner Tony Fernandes have today released a joint statement confirmed that the legal dispute relating to the Lotus and Team Lotus brands has now ended amicably.
Williams have today announced that they will run Valtteri Bottas and Mirko Bortolotti during the Young Driver test in Abu Dhabi next week.
Last season, the F1 community approached the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with a great anticipation. It was the final race of the season, and four drivers were in contention for the title. This season, however, it is the penultimate race, the drivers’ championship was wrapped up a month ago, and there is a feeling that the whole paddock is slowly winding down towards the end of the season, dreaming of winters spent on beaches in tropical lands.
Spanish driver Dani Clos will join HRT for the Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi next week, after competing in the final GP2 race of the season at the Yas Marina circuit this weekend.
Force India have chosen to put Max Chilton in the VJM04 for two days at the Young Driver Test taking place in Abu Dhabi next week. The 20-year-old Brit, who has completed two seasons as a GP2 driver, will be in the F1 car on Tuesday and Thursday.
Renault have today announced the three drivers chosen for the Abu Dhabi Young Drivers Test next week: Robert Wickens will be in the R31 on Tuesday, Kevin Korjus on Wednesday, and Jan Charouz will round off the test on Thursday.
The Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi holds fond memories for Kamui Kobayashi and Sergio Perez and Sauber will be hoping that both drivers deliver in this weekend’s race as the team fight for sixth place in the constructors’ championship.
