Thursday was the last of a three-day Formula 1 young driver test, and effectively brought to a close the busiest three-week stint on the calendar, with two Grand Prix races in India and Abu Dhabi, followed by this test.
Today was also the final day of F1 testing in 2012.
New GP2 series' champion, Davide Valsecchi, topped the time sheets in the Lotus E20 today.
Valsecchi completed a total of 86 laps, running a comprehensive testing program and showcasing his talent by quickly getting up to speed with the car and team.
The morning program consisted of aerodynamic testing and DDRS iterations, followed by front drum testing and tire assessment in the afternoon.
Dane Kevin Magnussen ranked second in the Mercedes-powered McLaren. It was his second run in the MP4-27. He concluded his day by running through a series of mechanical balance changes aimed at unlocking tire performance. Magnussen covered sufficient mileage this week to be able to apply for an F1 Superlicence.
Mexican Esteban Gutierrez finished the day in third place. He started with more aerodynamic evaluations. The team was running on high fuel, and he did some set-up work and brake tests. Sauber tested some new items after lunch, and gave Gutierrez some fresh tires, including a set of softs.
New Formula Renault 3.5 champion Robin Frijns was fourth in the Red Bull-Renault, followed by McLaren's Oliver Turvey who continued the evaluation of a new front wing during the morning’s session.
Sixth was Luiz Razia in the Toro Rosso. Chief engineer, Laurent Mekies, said that the job list was very full, testing many items, the majority of which were aimed at next year’s car.
Alexander Rossi was seventh and last in the Caterham-Renault. However, the American lost a great deal of time when the CT-01 was stuck in the garage so the team could fix an oil leak.
Young driver test, Yas Marina circuit, Abu Dhabi, Day 3:
Pos Driver Constructor Best time* Laps
1 Davide Valsecchi Lotus 1m42.677 86
2 Kevin Magnussen McLaren 1m42.827 51
3 Esteban Gutierrez Sauber 1m43.093 80
4 Robin Frijns Red Bull Racing 1m43.233 53
5 Oliver Turvey McLaren 1m43.604 44
6 Luiz Razia Scuderia Toro Rosso 1m45.286 68
7 Alexander Rossi Caterham 1m46.485 86
Recap of fastest drivers each day:
Tuesday Day 1: Kevin Magnussen McLaren 1m42.651
Wednesday Day 3: Antonio Felix da Costa Red Bull-Renault 1m42.679
Thursday Day 3: Davide Valsecchi Lotus 1m42.677
*All timing unofficial
Today was also the final day of F1 testing in 2012.
New GP2 series' champion, Davide Valsecchi, topped the time sheets in the Lotus E20 today.
 |
| Davide Valsecchi, Lotus. (Photo: WRi2) |
Valsecchi completed a total of 86 laps, running a comprehensive testing program and showcasing his talent by quickly getting up to speed with the car and team.
The morning program consisted of aerodynamic testing and DDRS iterations, followed by front drum testing and tire assessment in the afternoon.
Dane Kevin Magnussen ranked second in the Mercedes-powered McLaren. It was his second run in the MP4-27. He concluded his day by running through a series of mechanical balance changes aimed at unlocking tire performance. Magnussen covered sufficient mileage this week to be able to apply for an F1 Superlicence.
 |
| Kevin Magnussen, McLaren. (Photo: WRi2) |
Mexican Esteban Gutierrez finished the day in third place. He started with more aerodynamic evaluations. The team was running on high fuel, and he did some set-up work and brake tests. Sauber tested some new items after lunch, and gave Gutierrez some fresh tires, including a set of softs.
 |
| Esteban Gutiérrez, Sauber. (Photo: WRi2) |
New Formula Renault 3.5 champion Robin Frijns was fourth in the Red Bull-Renault, followed by McLaren's Oliver Turvey who continued the evaluation of a new front wing during the morning’s session.
 |
| Robin Frijns, Red Bull. (Photo: WRi2) |
Sixth was Luiz Razia in the Toro Rosso. Chief engineer, Laurent Mekies, said that the job list was very full, testing many items, the majority of which were aimed at next year’s car.
Alexander Rossi was seventh and last in the Caterham-Renault. However, the American lost a great deal of time when the CT-01 was stuck in the garage so the team could fix an oil leak.
 |
| Alexander Rossi, Caterham. (Photo: WRi2) |
Young driver test, Yas Marina circuit, Abu Dhabi, Day 3:
Pos Driver Constructor Best time* Laps
1 Davide Valsecchi Lotus 1m42.677 86
2 Kevin Magnussen McLaren 1m42.827 51
3 Esteban Gutierrez Sauber 1m43.093 80
4 Robin Frijns Red Bull Racing 1m43.233 53
5 Oliver Turvey McLaren 1m43.604 44
6 Luiz Razia Scuderia Toro Rosso 1m45.286 68
7 Alexander Rossi Caterham 1m46.485 86
Recap of fastest drivers each day:
Tuesday Day 1: Kevin Magnussen McLaren 1m42.651
Wednesday Day 3: Antonio Felix da Costa Red Bull-Renault 1m42.679
Thursday Day 3: Davide Valsecchi Lotus 1m42.677
*All timing unofficial