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Nov
8th

F1: Davide Valsecchi emerges quickest for Lotus on Day 3

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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.

F1 Lotus Davide Valsecchi
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.

F1 McLaren Kevin Magnussen
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.

F1 Sauber Esteban Gutierrez
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.

F1 Red Bull Robin Frijns
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.

F1 Caterham Alexander Rossi
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



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