James Calado Fastest After Rain-Struck Second Day Of GP2 Test
Britain’s James Calado has ended the second day of the GP2 Barcelona winter test fastest for ART Grand Prix, despite another miserable day which was once again plagued by inclement weather conditions. Arden’s Johnny Cecotto jr. was fastest in the afternoon, but was unable to better the morning benchmark set by James Calado.
After the opening day was plagued by heavy rain and strong winds, the second day dawned in similar conditions at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya. This offered the drivers the perfect weather conditions to further test Pirelli’s wet weather tyre, as GP3 graduate Daniel Abt set the early pace for ART Grand Prix. However, the German’s team-mate of James Calado soon asserted his authority over proceedings with a 01:50.218 which remained unbeaten as the session wore on.
With the track conditions utterly treacherous as the rain continued to lash down upon the circuit, the morning session was delayed twice as various drivers’ were caught out by the tricky conditions. The first delay was caused by Daniel Abt, who lost control of his car at Turn 4 and clipped the retaining barrier, therefore prematurely ending his morning session. Johnny Cecotto jr. also went off at Turn 4, causing yet a further delay in the closing minutes of the session.
During the lunch break the rain ceased, therefore sparking hope throughout the GP2 paddock that dry weather running would be achieved throughout the afternoon session. Simon Trummer and Adrian Quaife-Hobbs set the initial benchmark as proceedings got back underway at the Spanish circuit, before the rain returned once again and shattered any hope of dry running later in the day. Another red flag delay was caused when Riccardo Agostini stopped at Turn 4, before two further delays ensued when Julian Leal beached his Racing Engineering machine into the gravel bed and Rene Binder went off at Turn 7.
Johnny Cecotto jr. managed to rise to the top of the timing sheets as the session entered its final hour, with the Venezuelan driver setting a 01:52.781 for Arden International. His time remained unchallenged as the day drew to a close, as a further red flag delay was caused when Daniel Abt once again stopped at Turn 4 in the dying minutes of the session. The final day of GP2 winter testing is scheduled to get underway tomorrow at 9am local time, with the weather forecasting dryer conditions at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.
Morning session: Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. James Calado ART 1m50.218s 30 2. Felipe Nasr Carlin 1m50.902s + 0.684s 14 3. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs MP 1m51.642s + 1.424s 29 4. Rene Binder Lazarus 1m51.689s + 1.471s 17 5. Daniel Abt ART 1m52.034s + 1.816s 24 6. Mitch Evans Arden 1m52.176s + 1.958s 24 7. Tom Dillmann Russian Time 1m52.233s + 2.015s 23 8. Marcus Ericsson DAMS 1m52.266s + 2.048s 23 9. Johnny Cecotto Arden 1m52.296s + 2.078s 17 10. Kevin Giovesi Lazarus 1m52.457s + 2.239s 19 11. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering 1m52.594s + 2.376s 26 12. Simon Trummer Rapax 1m52.685s + 2.467s 29 13. Daniel de Jong MP 1m52.692s + 2.474s 30 14. Julian Leal Racing Engineering 1m52.946s + 2.728s 26 15. Jake Rosenzweig Addax 1m53.100s + 2.882s 25 16. Sergio Canamasas Caterham 1m53.160s + 2.942s 21 17. Stephane Richelmi DAMS 1m53.216s + 2.998s 25 18. Robin Frijns Trident 1m53.649s + 3.431s 2 19. Christopher Zanella Russian Time 1m53.772s + 3.554s 23 20. Conor Daly Hilmer 1m53.912s + 3.694s 17 21. Rodolfo Gonzalez Trident 1m53.994s + 3.776s 12 22. Jolyon Palmer Carlin 1m54.075s + 3.857s 18 23. Stefano Coletti Rapax 1m54.547s + 4.329s 20 24. Ma Qing Hua Caterham 1m54.857s + 4.639s 22 25. Riccardo Agostini Hilmer 1m55.077s + 4.859s 16 26. Rio Haryanto Addax 1m55.366s + 5.148s 30 Afternoon session: Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. Johnny Cecotto Arden 1m52.781s 18 2. James Calado ART 1m52.878s + 0.097s 28 3. Felipe Nasr Carlin 1m52.892s + 0.111s 24 4. Kevin Giovesi Lazarus 1m53.081s + 0.300s 21 5. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs MP 1m53.243s + 0.462s 30 6. Simon Trummer Rapax 1m53.414s + 0.633s 32 7. Daniel de Jong MP 1m53.515s + 0.734s 26 8. Julian Leal Racing Engineering 1m53.524s + 0.743s 37 9. Stefano Coletti Rapax 1m53.818s + 1.037s 14 10. Tom Dillmann Russian Time 1m53.819s + 1.038s 23 11. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering 1m53.920s + 1.139s 22 12. Conor Daly Hilmer 1m53.983s + 1.202s 22 13. Stephane Richelmi DAMS 1m54.137s + 1.356s 29 14. Marcus Ericsson DAMS 1m54.161s + 1.380s 36 15. Sergio Canamasas Caterham 1m54.240s + 1.459s 18 16. Rene Binder Lazarus 1m54.349s + 1.568s 14 17. Robin Frijns Trident 1m54.360s + 1.579s 18 18. Ma Qing Hua Caterham 1m54.494s + 1.713s 33 19. Mitch Evans Arden 1m54.513s + 1.732s 17 20. Rodolfo Gonzalez Trident 1m54.563s + 1.782s 27 21. Rio Haryanto Addax 1m54.662s + 1.881s 35 22. Jake Rosenzweig Addax 1m54.845s + 2.064s 23 23. Jolyon Palmer Carlin 1m54.940s + 2.159s 23 24. Riccardo Agostini Hilmer 1m55.359s + 2.578s 26 25. Christopher Zanella Russian Time 1m55.425s + 2.644s 12 26. Daniel Abt ART 1m55.770s + 2.989s 26
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Stefano Coletti Quickest In Wet Opening Day Of Barcelona Test
Stefano Coletti has ended the opening day of the final GP2 winter test fastest around Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, on a drying circuit after a morning plagued by inclement weather conditions. James Calado managed to top the morning period for ART Grand Prix, despite the miserable weather conditions.
The opening day of the final test dawned in treacherous weather conditions, with heavy rain and strong winds battering the Circuit de Catalunya. The Rapax of Simon Trummer eventually became the first driver to venture into the dreadful conditions, however after 30 minutes of track action only four drivers had set a time with Daniel de Jong at the top for MP Motorsport.
Several red flag delays plagued proceedings as the morning period wore on, with numerous drivers being caught out by the treacherous conditions on track. Rio Haryanto made contact with the barrier at Turn 2, before Kevin Giovesi stopped at Turn 8. Tom Dillmann momentarily topped the timing sheets for newcomers Russian Time, before James Calado lowered the benchmark with a 01:50.928. A further red flag delay was caused as the session drew to a wet conclusion when Rodolfo Gonzalez and Ma Qing Hua spun simultaneously at Turns 7 and 12 respectively.
James Calado was fastest during the wet morning period.
After the wet morning period, many were understandably thrilled when the rain ceased prior to the resumption of track action for the afternoon period. As the track gradually dried out, times began to improve as many of the drivers made the switch from wet to dry tyres. Russian Time team-mates Tom Dillmann and Luciano Bacheta became one of the first drivers to switch to the dry tyres, therefore leaping to 1st and 2nd on the timing sheets respectively.
During the final hour of the day the time at the top quickly began to tumble, with many drivers momentarily rising to the top. Robin Frijns became one of the first drivers to dip beneath the 01:30s barrier, before Felipe Nasr and then Stefano Coletti rose to the top with the latter setting a 01:29.868 to end the opening day fastest on a drying track. The GP2 fraternity will be hoping for a much dryer remainder of the week, as they aim to continue preparing for the new season which gets underway at the end of the month.
Morning session: Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. James Calado ART 1m50.928s 20 2. Daniel de Jong MP 1m51.858s + 0.930s 34 3. Simon Trummer Rapax 1m52.240s + 1.312s 27 4. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering 1m52.316s + 1.388s 21 5. Julian Leal Racing Engineering 1m52.334s + 1.406s 24 6. Tom Dillmann Russian Time 1m52.355s + 1.427s 15 7. Daniel Abt ART 1m52.416s + 1.488s 19 8. Felipe Nasr Carlin 1m52.630s + 1.702s 19 9. Robin Frijns Trident 1m52.716s + 1.788s 15 10. Rene Binder Lazarus 1m53.097s + 2.169s 28 11. Stephane Richelmi DAMS 1m53.252s + 2.324s 25 12. Ma Qing Hua Caterham 1m53.307s + 2.379s 37 13. Johnny Cecotto Arden 1m53.383s + 2.455s 17 14. Rodolfo Gonzalez Trident 1m53.549s + 2.621s 20 15. Sergio Canamasas Caterham 1m53.613s + 2.685s 30 16. Jake Rosenzweig Addax 1m53.621s + 2.693s 33 17. Mitch Evans Arden 1m53.690s + 2.762s 28 18. Marcus Ericsson DAMS 1m53.822s + 2.894s 25 19. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs MP 1m53.957s + 3.029s 17 20. Conor Daly Hilmer 1m54.099s + 3.171s 28 21. Jolyon Palmer Carlin 1m54.641s + 3.713s 14 22. Luciano Bacheta Russian Time 1m54.948s + 4.020s 17 23. Pal Varhaug Hilmer 1m55.910s + 4.982s 20 24. Rio Haryanto Addax 1m57.604s + 6.676s 9 25. Stefano Coletti Rapax 2 26. Kevin Giovesi Lazarus 1 Afternoon session: Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. Stefano Coletti Rapax 1m29.868s 24 2. Felipe Nasr Carlin 1m29.926s + 0.058s 18 3. Robin Frijns Trident 1m29.951s + 0.083s 19 4. James Calado ART 1m30.239s + 0.371s 24 5. Johnny Cecotto Arden 1m30.323s + 0.455s 25 6. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering 1m30.335s + 0.467s 16 7. Stephane Richelmi DAMS 1m30.350s + 0.482s 22 8. Daniel de Jong MP 1m30.487s + 0.619s 23 9. Jolyon Palmer Carlin 1m30.505s + 0.637s 23 10. Daniel Abt ART 1m30.522s + 0.654s 21 11. Kevin Giovesi Lazarus 1m30.551s + 0.683s 16 12. Mitch Evans Arden 1m30.781s + 0.913s 24 13. Simon Trummer Rapax 1m30.831s + 0.963s 29 14. Jake Rosenzweig Addax 1m31.027s + 1.159s 25 15. Sergio Canamasas Caterham 1m31.032s + 1.164s 21 16. Tom Dillmann Russian Time 1m31.035s + 1.167s 25 17. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs MP 1m31.075s + 1.207s 24 18. Marcus Ericsson DAMS 1m31.433s + 1.565s 22 19. Julian Leal Racing Engineering 1m31.520s + 1.652s 28 20. Rio Haryanto Addax 1m31.626s + 1.758s 23 21. Conor Daly Hilmer 1m32.141s + 2.273s 29 22. Rodolfo Gonzalez Trident 1m32.178s + 2.310s 23 23. Rene Binder Lazarus 1m32.586s + 2.718s 24 24. Luciano Bacheta Russian Time 1m32.712s + 2.844s 32 25. Ma Qing Hua Caterham 1m33.360s + 3.492s 26 26. Pal Varhaug Hilmer 1m34.357s + 4.489s 17
Picture(s) Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
James Calado Ends GP2 Jerez Test Fastest
James Calado ended the final day of the GP2 Jerez test fastest overall for ART Grand Prix, in a day which began with damp track conditions. The British driver set the fastest time in the afternoon period, whereas fellow countryman Adrian Quaife-Hobbs reigned supreme during the morning session.
Unlike the previous two days, the third and final day of the test dawned in damp conditions after overnight rainfall. This forced the majority of the drivers to initially take to the Spanish circuit on the wet weather tyre, despite the sun making a welcome appearance soon after. Johnny Cecotto jr. set the initial pace for Arden International, however as the track dried out the times quickly began to tumble.
Despite the tricky track conditions to begin with the morning session ran relatively incident-free, until Johnny Cecotto jr. stopped out on track. Stephane Richelmi continued to impress for DAMS, as the Monegasque driver rose to the top before his Swedish team-mate, Marcus Ericsson, did likewise.
Adrian Quaife-Hobbs was fastest in the morning period, despite the damp start.
Another brief red flag delay was caused as the morning session drew to a conclusion, after the Carlin of Jolyon Palmer stopped out on track. Once track action had recommenced, Adrian Quaife-Hobbs shot to the top for newcomers MP Motorsport with a 01:26.442, eventually ending the session fastest ahead of Stephane Richelmi in 2nd and Marcus Ericsson in 3rd.
By the time the afternoon session began the track had finally dried out, therefore allowing the drivers to carry out race simulations and pit-stop practices. James Calado took control of proceedings early on in the session with a 01:24.659, a time which allowed the 23-year-old the remain at the top for the remainder of the session. Another red flag delay was caused only moments before the end of the session when the Arden of Mitch Evans stopped on track. Calado was eventually followed by Simon Trummer in 2nd and Fabio Leimer in 3rd.
The GP2 fraternity will reconvene in several days time for the second and final pre-season test at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, which is scheduled to begin on March 5th for a further three days. Once completed, the teams’ and drivers’ will proceed to Malaysia for the opening round of the new season.
Morning times: Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs MP 1m26.442s 28 2. Stephane Richelmi DAMS 1m26.884s + 0.442s 21 3. Marcus Ericsson DAMS 1m26.904s + 0.462s 22 4. Daniel de Jong MP 1m27.025s + 0.583s 32 5. Felipe Nasr Carlin 1m27.121s + 0.679s 17 6. Robin Frijns Trident 1m27.156s + 0.714s 12 7. Simon Trummer Rapax 1m27.208s + 0.766s 24 8. Stefano Coletti Rapax 1m27.239s + 0.797s 6 9. Nathanael Berthon Trident 1m27.514s + 1.072s 10 10. Mitch Evans Arden 1m27.560s + 1.118s 18 11. Kevin Giovesi Lazarus 1m27.846s + 1.404s 16 12. Jolyon Palmer Carlin 1m28.299s + 1.857s 25 13. Johnny Cecotto Arden 1m28.379s + 1.937s 21 14. Jake Rosenzweig Addax 1m28.489s + 2.047s 15 15. Rene Binder Lazarus 1m29.147s + 2.705s 13 16. Rio Haryanto Addax 1m29.303s + 2.861s 23 17. Sergio Canamasas Caterham 1m29.303s + 2.861s 23 18. Ma Qing Hua Caterham 1m30.372s + 3.930s 23 19. James Calado ART 1m48.064s + 21.622s 12 20. Daniel Abt ART 1m56.592s + 30.150s 12 21. Tom Dillmann Hilmer 1 22. Julian Leal Racing Engineering 6 23. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering 1 Afternoon times: Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. James Calado ART 1m24.659s 54 2. Simon Trummer Rapax 1m25.045s + 0.386s 26 3. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering 1m25.133s + 0.474s 27 4. Stefano Coletti Rapax 1m25.138s + 0.479s 35 5. Stephane Richelmi DAMS 1m25.148s + 0.489s 38 6. Marcus Ericsson DAMS 1m25.269s + 0.610s 39 7. Jolyon Palmer Carlin 1m25.276s + 0.617s 38 8. Mitch Evans Arden 1m25.309s + 0.650s 41 9. Julian Leal Racing Engineering 1m25.318s + 0.659s 44 10. Kevin Giovesi Lazarus 1m25.497s + 0.838s 40 11. Robin Frijns Trident 1m25.572s + 0.913s 23 12. Daniel Abt ART 1m25.695s + 1.036s 56 13. Johnny Cecotto Arden 1m25.829s + 1.170s 37 14. Sergio Canamasas Caterham 1m25.833s + 1.174s 47 15. Rene Binder Lazarus 1m25.862s + 1.203s 17 16. Felipe Nasr Carlin 1m25.883s + 1.224s 33 17. Ma Qing Hua Caterham 1m25.896s + 1.237s 43 18. Daniel de Jong MP 1m25.959s + 1.300s 31 19. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs MP 1m26.031s + 1.372s 39 20. Nathanael Berthon Trident 1m26.049s + 1.390s 21 21. Jake Rosenzweig Addax 1m26.133s + 1.474s 43 22. Rio Haryanto Addax 1m26.767s + 2.108s 38
Picture(s) Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Tom Dillmann Fastest After Opening Day Of Jerez GP2 Test
Tom Dillmann has ended the opening day of the Jerez GP2 test fastest overall, after a productive first day for newcomers Hilmer Motorsport. The Frenchman set the time in the afternoon period, whereas Britain’s Jolyon Palmer set the pace in the morning session for Carlin.
The opening day of the test began in cold yet clear conditions at the Jerez circuit, as the majority of the drivers immediately took to the track to carry out their respective installation laps. Once the track temperature had improved, Venezuela GP Lazarus’s Rene Binder became the first driver to set a timed lap. The first red flag delay of the day followed, by returning Norwegian driver Pau Varhaug who spun and stopped on the track. Once the session was resumed, Tom Dillmann proceeded to set the pace before the Arden of Johnny Cecotto jr. rose to the top.
Sweden’s Marcus Ericsson set the pace for DAMS as the morning session progressed, before a second red flag delay was caused when Sergio Canamasas spun into the barrier at Turn 4. The session was quickly resumed, however, allowing the Carlin of Jolyon Palmer to assert his authority over proceedings with a 01:25.330. A third red flag delay only three minutes before the end of the session caused by reigning GP3 Champion Mitch Evans saw the morning session end under red flag conditions, thus allowing Jolyon Palmer to remain in command at the top ahead of Marcus Ericsson and Rene Binder.
After the two hour lunch break, Swiss driver Fabio Leimer set the benchmark for Racing Engineering, whilst the majority of the field elected to run race simulations. However, Monegasque driver Stephane Richelmi rose to the top for DAMS as the time at the top continued to tumble throughout the afternoon session. James Calado momentarily set the fastest time for ART Grand Prix, before Fabio Leimer returned to the top. Another red flag delay was caused by Daniel de Jong for newcomers MP Motorsport, which saw the Dutchman stop on the track at Turn 7.
With only 20 minutes remaining in the session, Tom Dillmann shot to the top with a 01:25.059, just under three tenths faster than the benchmark from the morning period set by the Carlin of Jolyon Palmer. Tom Dillmann remained fastest as the opening day drew to a close, with Fabio Leimer and Felipe Nasr rounding out the top three. The GP2 fraternity will return tomorrow for the second day of the Jerez test, with proceedings set to get underway at 9am local time.
Morning times: Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. Jolyon Palmer Carlin 1m25.330s 19 2. Marcus Ericsson DAMS 1m25.426s + 0.096s 11 3. Rene Binder Lazarus 1m25.541s + 0.211s 23 4. Johnny Cecotto Arden 1m25.574s + 0.244s 20 5. Stephane Richelmi DAMS 1m25.574s + 0.244s 15 6. Jake Rosenzweig Addax 1m25.842s + 0.512s 25 7. James Calado ART 1m25.911s + 0.581s 18 8. Tom Dillmann Hilmer 1m25.922s + 0.592s 12 9. Simon Trummer Rapax 1m25.998s + 0.668s 17 10. Felipe Nasr Carlin 1m26.019s + 0.689s 22 11. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering 1m26.066s + 0.736s 8 12. Mitch Evans Arden 1m26.070s + 0.740s 14 13. Julian Leal Racing Engineering 1m26.209s + 0.879s 17 14. Kevin Giovesi Lazarus 1m26.244s + 0.914s 16 15. Rio Haryanto Addax 1m26.398s + 1.068s 20 16. Robin Frijns Trident 1m26.438s + 1.108s 17 17. Daniel de Jong MP 1m26.443s + 1.113s 9 18. Daniel Abt ART 1m26.565s + 1.235s 15 19. Nathanael Berthon Trident 1m26.732s + 1.402s 15 20. Ma Qing Hua Caterham 1m26.990s + 1.660s 11 21. Pal Varhaug Hilmer 1m27.926s + 2.596s 17 22. Sergio Canamasas Caterham 1m31.642s + 6.312s 5 23. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs MP - 1 24. Stefano Coletti Rapax - 1 Afternoon times: Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. Tom Dillmann Hilmer 1m25.059 23 2. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering 1m25.248 + 0.189s 27 3. Felipe Nasr Carlin 1m25.262 + 0.203s 34 4. James Calado ART 1m25.403 + 0.344s 31 5. Rene Binder Lazarus 1m25.405 + 0.346s 16 6. Marcus Ericsson DAMS 1m25.480 + 0.421s 33 7. Daniel de Jong MP 1m25.506 + 0.447s 30 8. Stephane Richelmi DAMS 1m25.585 + 0.526s 28 9. Robin Frijns Trident 1m25.602 + 0.543s 24 10. Johnny Cecotto Arden 1m25.656 + 0.597s 29 11. Simon Trummer Rapax 1m25.718 + 0.659s 40 12. Kevin Giovesi Lazarus 1m25.819 + 0.760s 35 13. Daniel Abt ART 1m25.933 + 0.874s 34 14. Mitch Evans Arden 1m26.116 + 1.057s 32 15. Stefano Coletti Rapax 1m26.200 + 1.141s 31 16. Julian Leal Racing Engineering 1m26.222 + 1.163s 33 17. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs MP 1m26.405 + 1.346s 39 18. Sergio Canamasas Caterham 1m26.610 + 1.551s 22 19. Nathanael Berthon Trident 1m26.682 + 1.623s 25 20. Jolyon Palmer Carlin 1m27.005 + 1.946s 23 21. Pal Varhaug Hilmer 1m27.595 + 2.536s 22 22. Rio Haryanto Addax 1m27.855 + 2.796s 23 23. Ma Qing Hua Caterham 1m28.002 + 2.943s 31 24. Jake Rosenzweig Addax 1m29.492 + 4.433s 25
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Jolyon Palmer Switches To Carlin For 2013
Jolyon Palmer has joined Carlin for the 2013 GP2 Series season, and will team-mate rising Brazilian ace Felipe Nasr at the British outfit. Jolyon Palmer picked up his first GP2 victory throughout the 2012 season with iSport International, and is targeting the Championship crown next season.
After finishing as runner-up in the 2010 Formula Two season, Jolyon Palmer made the switch to GP2 with Arden International. Despite a rather mediocre debut season in the series, which saw the Briton finish no higher than 9th, Palmer was able to progress to a drive in 2012 with former Champions iSport International. This led to the 21-year-old’s maiden GP2 victory at Monaco, and has instilled confidence within Palmer that Championship glory is possible next season.
“I’m very happy to be racing for Carlin in 2013.” Explained Jolyon Palmer, “The team showed good pace this year in their second season in GP2 and they are hungry to build on that next year. My aim is to be fighting for the Championship and I’m confident we are in a position to do that.”
Jolyon Palmer’s team-mate for the 2013 season will be Brazilian driver Felipe Nasr, who impressed greatly during his first season with DAMS alongside eventual Champion Davide Valsecchi. Both drivers are aiming for the Championship crown in 2013, and Carlin’s Racing Director Trevor Carlin is hopeful of a competitive season.
“Jolyon is a very promising young British driver and we’re delighted to be able to welcome him into our GP2 team.” Enthused Trevor Carlin, “He put in some fantastic performances last season and I believe he will be a regular race winner and title contender next year. With Jolyon and Felipe we have an exceptionally talented team, and preparations are already underway for a strong start to the 2013 season.”
Both Jolyon Palmer and Felipe Nasr will have strong competition for Championship supremacy next season, with the likes of James Calado and Marcus Ericsson, amongst others, with their sights firmly set on the Championship crown. Whoever comes out on top next year, the 2013 season already has all of the ingredients to be yet another sensational chapter in the sport’s history.
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
James Calado Stays With Lotus For 2013
British GP2 star James Calado has elected to stay with Lotus for the 2013 GP2 season, as the 23-year-old aims to battle for Championship supremacy alongside the likes of Felipe Nasr at Carlin. During his debut season in the sport, Calado won two races at Sepang and Hockenheim on his way to 5th in the Drivers’ Championship.
With former GP2 team-mate Esteban Gutierrez graduating to Formula 1 with Sauber next season, James Calado is understandably looking forward to battling for Championship supremacy with Lotus, a team which has previously won the Championship on three occasions as ART Grand Prix. James Calado is understandably enthralled to be staying with Lotus next season, and is looking to improve upon his successful debut season.
“I am absolutely delighted to receive the ongoing backing from the RSF that enables me to take part in this incredibly competitive Championship again and even more so to do it with Lotus GP again.” Explained James Calado, “I feel privileged to be a part of this project and to have the support of great partners without whom none of this would be possible.
“In terms of speed, we showed in 2012 that we were right up there with pole positions and a couple of wins. Now I know the car, the tyres, and the team I’m expecting to be fast and to win as many races as possible. I’m looking forward to 2013 and I hope I’ll improve after such a good year in 2012.”
The last British Champion of GP2 was Lewis Hamilton back in 2006, when the Briton raced for the same outfit. Since then, however, the team has undergone a rebrand as Lotus Grand Prix and currently run in the legendary black and gold colors of the Formula 1 team. James Calado will be striving to bring Championship successes to Lotus next season in GP2, with his eyes unquestionably set upon one day progressing to the world of F1.
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Felipe Nasr Joins Carlin For 2013 GP2 Season
Brazilian GP2 driver Felipe Nasr has joined Carlin for the 2013 season, a team which the 20-year-old won the British F3 Championship with in 2011. During his debut season in the series, Nasr stormed to four podium finishes with DAMS alongside eventual Championship winner Davide Valsecchi.
Once the season had come to a conclusion, Felipe Nasr switched to Carlin for the final post-season tests at both Barcelona and Jerez. The Brazilian driver was immediately on the pace throughout these tests, which saw him finish 2nd fastest on both days during the Jerez test. This competitiveness shown from Nasr, coupled with his exceedingly successful debut season with DAMS, could potentially see him challenge for Championship supremacy next season with he British outfit.
“I’m so happy to be coming back to Carlin.” Enthused Felipe Nasr, “Not only is it the team that I won the British F3 championship with, but it’s also a team that I feel very comfortable with. Testing so far has gone very well. The Barcelona test was about getting used to the team and the Carlin car, and we were able to build on that this week in Jerez and show some real speed. I can’t wait for the 2013 season to get underway, for sure we’re going to have a really strong package.”
Towards the end of the 2012 season, the Marussia-backed Carlin outfit picked up several victories at the hands of Max Chilton, who later went on to become the Marussia F1 team reserve driver. Team owner Trevor Carlin aims to start the 2013 season from where his team left off in 2012, and firmly believes that Felipe Nasr will be a title contender in 2013.
“We have had the pleasure of working with Felipe before and we know what he is capable of when he’s happy in the car.” Explained Trevor Carlin, “He is an incredibly talented driver and to finish on the podium in his first weekend in the series shows his outright speed and potential; in his second season I believe he will be a real contender for the title. We have had two very productive seasons in GP2, which thanks in particular to Max who has been with us from the start, have seen us develop and improve as a team. We’re aiming to start 2013 where we left off in 2012.”
It is as of yet unknown who Felipe Nasr’s team-mate will be at Carlin next season, with the Brazilian driver currently only one of three drivers confirmed on the 2013 grid alongside Stefano Coletti and Daniël de Jong. The Brazilian driver greatly impressed many throughout the paddock during his debut season with DAMS, and will most certainly continue to do throughout 2013 as he aims to clinch his maiden victory in the series with Carlin.
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Johnny Cecotto jr. Ends The Final GP2 Post-Season Test Fastest At Jerez
Johnny Cecotto jr. has ended the GP2 season on an extremely positive note, as the Venezuelan driver finished fastest on the second and final day of the last post-season test around Spain’s Jerez circuit. Cecotto jr. was fastest in both the morning and afternoon sessions, as he tested for Arden International.
In stark contrast to yesterday’s foggy start, the second day dawned with fabulous sunshine at the Jerez circuit. This enabled the drivers to instantly take to the track, with many varying driver changes occurring overnight. This saw Johnny Cecotto jr. move from Carlin to Arden International, Stephane Richelmi and newly-crowned GP3 Champion Mitch Evans move to DAMS, Kevin Mirocha test for iSport International, Rio Haryanto move to Lotus GP, Marcus Ericsson switch to Scuderia Coloni, Sergio Canamasas move to Trident Racing, Ramon Piniero switch to Carlin and also Fabio Leimer return to Racing Engineering.
In the opening thirty minutes of the day, Johnny Cecotto jr. immediately stormed to the top with a 01:26.457. However, Cecotto’s reign was short lived as Felipe Nasr and then Adrian Quaife-Hobbs rose to the top. The Briton’s supremacy was thwarted as the session progressed, as Johnny Cecotto jr. reasserted his authority over proceedings. Daniel Juncadella caused the first red flag of the day, as the Rapax driver spun and stopped on the track. A second red flag delay interrupted proceedings shortly after, this time featuring a spin by Caterham’s Simon Trummer who also stopped out on track.
The morning session ended with Johnny Cecotto jr. fastest by just under a tenth from Carlin’s Felipe Nasr, with Adrian Quaife-Hobbs a close 3rd. After the one hour lunch interval, the teams and drivers once again returned to the Jerez circuit, with Johnny Cecotto jr. once again rising to the top and setting the early pace. The session was red flagged for a third time, as Kevin Giovesi stopped out on the circuit due to mechanical issues which struck his Venezuelan GP Lazarus car.
As the afternoon session drew to a conclusion, many drivers began switching their attention to long race simulations. This saw Johnny Cecotto jr.’s time at the top remain unbeaten at the checkered flag, as the Venezuelan driver was followed home by the DAMS of Stephane Richelmi and the Venezuela GP Lazarus of Rene Binder.
The GP2 fraternity now enters the winter break, after an enthralling 2012 season which eventually saw Davide Valsecchi crowned Champion after a season-long battle with Luiz Razia. The Series will once again return in February, with pre-season testing scheduled to begin on February 26th for three days at Jerez. The Series will then move swiftly on to Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, for the second pre-season test prior to the start of the 2013 season which is scheduled to take place once again as a support for the 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix around Kuala Lumpur’s picturesque Sepang circuit.
Morning session: Pos Driver Team Time Gap 1. Johnny Cecotto Jr Arden 1m25.694s 2. Felipe Nasr Carlin 1m25.719s + 0.025s 3. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs Arden 1m26.013s + 0.319s 4. Marcus Ericsson Coloni 1m26.118s + 0.424s 5. Kevin Giovesi Lazarus 1m26.149s + 0.455s 6. Stephane Richelmi DAMS 1m26.314s + 0.620s 7. Rio Haryanto Lotus 1m26.345s + 0.651s 8. Alexander Sims Addax 1m26.346s + 0.652s 9. Stefano Coletti Rapax 1m26.451s + 0.757s 10. Alexander Rossi Caterham 1m26.468s + 0.774s 11. Daniel Juncadella Rapax 1m26.543s + 0.849s 12. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering 1m26.569s + 0.875s 13. Julian Leal Trident 1m26.608s + 0.914s 14. Daniel Abt Lotus 1m26.816s + 1.122s 15. Daniel de Jong Coloni 1m26.857s + 1.163s 16. Mitch Evans DAMS 1m26.926s + 1.232s 17. Rene Binder Lazarus 1m26.961s + 1.267s 18. Sergio Canamasas Trident 1m27.060s + 1.366s 19. Jolyon Palmer iSport 1m27.148s + 1.454s 20. Nigel Melker Racing Engineering 1m27.165s + 1.471s 21. Kevin Mirocha iSport 1m27.465s + 1.771s 22. Simon Trummer Caterham 1m27.518s + 1.824s 23. Jake Rosenzweig Addax 1m27.992s + 2.298s 24. Ramon Pineiro Carlin 1m30.243s + 4.549s Afternoon times: Pos Driver Team Time Gap 1. Johnny Cecotto Jr Arden 1m26.585s 2. Stephane Richelmi DAMS 1m26.783s + 0.198s 3. Rene Binder Lazarus 1m27.135s + 0.550s 4. Stefano Coletti Rapax 1m27.215s + 0.630s 5. Jolyon Palmer iSport 1m27.274s + 0.689s 6. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering 1m27.312s + 0.727s 7. Julian Leal Trident 1m27.484s + 0.899s 8. Nigel Melker Racing Engineering 1m27.622s + 1.037s 9. Kevin Giovesi Lazarus 1m27.622s + 1.037s 10. Sergio Canamasas Trident 1m27.634s + 1.049s 11. Kevin Mirocha iSport 1m27.673s + 1.088s 12. Alexander Sims Addax 1m27.803s + 1.218s 13. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs Arden 1m27.885s + 1.300s 14. Marcus Ericsson Coloni 1m27.994s + 1.409s 15. Mitch Evans DAMS 1m27.998s + 1.413s 16. Jake Rosenzweig Addax 1m28.311s + 1.726s 17. Ramon Pineiro Carlin 1m28.630s + 2.045s 18. Simon Trummer Caterham 1m28.929s + 2.344s 19. Rio Haryanto Lotus 1m30.331s + 3.746s 20. Daniel Juncadella Rapax 1m30.668s + 4.083s 21. Alexander Rossi Caterham 1m30.986s + 4.401s 22. Daniel Abt Lotus 1m31.014s + 4.429s 23. Daniel de Jong Coloni 1m31.348s + 4.763s
Picture Copyright © Malcolm Griffiths/GP2 Series Media Service
Marcus Ericsson Fastest On Day 1 Of GP2 Post-Season Jerez Test
Sweden’s Marcus Ericsson has ended the opening day of the last GP2 post-season test at Jerez fastest, after testing for reigning Champions DAMS alongside Rio Haryanto. Felipe Nasr of Carlin was fastest throughout the foggy morning period, however conditions improved as the day progressed.
As the teams and drivers prepared to take to the Jerez circuit for the opening session in the morning, visibility was still pretty poor around the Spanish circuit. Within the first thirty minutes of track action, proceedings were momentarily halted by a red flag period as visibility failed to improve, particularly between Turns 6 and 7. However, the session was quickly resumed as the Lotus of Jolyon Palmer headed the timing sheets with the Trident of Stephane Richelmi a close 2nd.
However, as the track conditions gradually improved throughout the morning period, more and more drivers began taking to the track. This saw Palmer’s time at the top thwarted by Marcus Ericsson, with Rio Haryanto going 2nd fastest overall. As the morning session neared its conclusion, Felipe Nasr shot to the top with a 01:26.810, with Stephane Richelmi a very close 2nd and Stefano Coletti 3rd.
Felipe Nasr was fastest in the morning period, which started in foggy conditions.
Prior to the resumption of track action for the afternoon period, the sun finally broke through the heavy cloud cover, vastly improving track conditions. Stefano Coletti set the early pace for Rapax, however as the day drew to a close many drivers took to the track to try and improve upon their times. Felipe Nasr once again rose to the top, however in the final hour the skies once again clouded over as temperatures fell.
With only thirty minutes left of the day, Marcus Ericsson reasserted his authority over proceedings with a 01:26.717. This was the fastest time of the day, and saw Ericsson remain fastest as the day was brought to a conclusion. The Swede was followed by Alexander Sims in 2nd and Kevin Giovesi in 3rd.
The GP2 fraternity will return to the Jerez circuit tomorrow morning at 9am local time, as various returnees and rookies of the Series strive to gain valuable track action in GP2.
Morning times: Pos Driver Team Time Gap 1. Felipe Nasr Carlin 1m26.810s 2. Stephane Richelmi Trident 1m26.898s + 0.088s 3. Stefano Coletti Rapax 1m26.926s + 0.116s 4. Marcus Ericsson DAMS 1m26.934s + 0.124s 5. Johnny Cecotto Carlin 1m27.110s + 0.300s 6. Fabio Onidi Coloni 1m27.308s + 0.498s 7. Mitch Evans Arden 1m27.426s + 0.616s 8. Rio Haryanto DAMS 1m27.427s + 0.617s 9. Kevin Giovesi Lazarus 1m27.553s + 0.743s 10. Alexander Sims Addax 1m27.562s + 0.752s 11. Daniel De Jong Coloni 1m27.575s + 0.765s 12. Nigel Melker Racing Engineering 1m27.664s + 0.854s 13. Alexander Rossi Caterham 1m27.767s + 0.957s 14. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs Arden 1m27.772s + 0.962s 15. Jolyon Palmer Lotus 1m27.791s + 0.981s 16. Daniel Juncadella Rapax 1m27.795s + 0.985s 17. Julian Leal Trident 1m27.801s + 0.991s 18. Sergio Canamasas iSport 1m27.827s + 1.017s 19. Daniel Abt Lotus 1m27.861s + 1.051s 20. Simon Trummer Caterham 1m27,962s + 1.152s 21. Rene Binder Racing Engineering 1m28.034s + 1.224s 22. Kevin Mirocha Lazarus 1m28.210s + 1.400s 23. Jake Rosenzweig Addax 1m28.682s + 1.872s 24. Jolyon Palmer iSport 25. Ramon Pinero Ocean Afternoon times: Pos Driver Team Time Gap 1. Marcus Ericsson DAMS 1m26.717s 2. Alexander Sims Addax 1m26.883s + 0.166s 3. Kevin Giovesi Lazarus 1m27.043s + 0.326s 4. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs Arden 1m27.059s + 0.342s 5. Stephane Richelmi Trident 1m27.111s + 0.394s 6. Fabio Onidi Coloni 1m27.114s + 0.397s 7. Johnny Cecotto Carlin 1m27.135s + 0.418s 8. Stefano Coletti Rapax 1m27.162s + 0.445s 9. Felipe Nasr Carlin 1m27.166s + 0.449s 10. Rio Haryanto DAMS 1m27.188s + 0.471s 11. Alexander Rossi Caterham 1m27.257s + 0.540s 12. Kevin Mirocha Lazarus 1m27.293s + 0.576s 13. Jolyon Palmer Lotus 1m27.324s + 0.607s 14. Julian Leal Trident 1m27.343s + 0.626s 15. Daniel Juncadella Rapax 1m27.474s + 0.757s 16. Daniel De Jong Coloni 1m27.598s + 0.881s 17. Nigel Melker Racing Engineering 1m27.645s + 0.928s 18. Sergio Canamasas iSport 1m27.755s + 1.038s 19. Mitch Evans Arden 1m27.811s + 1.094s 20. Daniel Abt Lotus 1m27.874s + 1.157s 21. Rene Binder Racing Engineering 1m27.900s + 1.183s 22. Simon Trummer Caterham 1m27.920s + 1.203s 23. Jake Rosenzweig Addax 1m28.662s + 1.945s
Picture Copyright © Malcolm Griffiths/GP2 Series Media Service
Giedo van der Garde Takes Final GP2 Sprint Race Win At Singapore
Giedo van der Garde has taken victory at the final GP2 sprint race of the season, after yet another sensational chapter of the 2012 GP2 Series season. The Dutchman was followed home by the iSport International of Marcus Ericsson, with Fabio Leimer just fending off Luiz Razia for 3rd.
After his heavy incident yesterday, the Coloni of Luca Filippi failed to start the final race of the season. This meant only 25 cars lined up on the grid at the start, which was led away at the front by the dominant Caterham of Giedo van der Garde. The DAMS of Felipe Nasr endured a torrid getaway from the grid, dropping through the order as van der Garde led from Ericsson.
After the opening lap of the race, the Venezuela GP Lazarus of Sergio Canamasas was under investigation from the race stewards after one of his mechanics remained on the grid prior to the start of the race. Whilst Canamasas’ race slowly deteriorated, Nathaniel Berthon was forced to pit with a damaged front wing after a frenetic opening lap around the Marina Bay street circuit.
Jolyon Palmer became the first retirement of the race, after the Briton was pitched into the wall by the Barwa Addax of Johnny Cecotto jr. The Venezuelan driver was subsequently issued a drive-thru penalty for the incident, as was Sergio Canamasas due to his mechanic remaining on the grid after the specified time prior to the race.
However, as Johnny Cecotto jr. pitted for his drive-thru penalty, Sergio Canamasas raised many eyebrows throughout the paddock and failed to adhere to the rules. The race steadily worsened for the Venezuela GP Lazarus outfit, as their second driver Rene Binder binned it through the final corner and spun. Due to the precarious location of the stricken machine, the safety car was deployed as the marshals retrieved Binder’s car.
Whilst the field lapped the track behind the safety car, the race stewards decided the black flag Sergio Canamasas for not pitting for his drive-thru penalty. However, the Spaniard controversially remained out on track, as the marshals and his team mechanics frantically tried to contact Canamasas to inform him of the steward’s decision. Eventually, once the race had returned to green flag racing, Canamasas slowly limped back to the pits with what he blamed was an issue on his car, as well as a radio failure which prevented him from acknowledging the black flag.
As the controversy ensued in the pits, Giedo van der Garde carried out a masterful drive in the lead to take his fifth career victory in GP2, and his second of the season. A superb battle ensued further back for the final podium position and the Constructors’ Championship, as Fabio Leimer fought for 3rd with Luiz Razia and Esteban Gutierrez battled with the DAMS duo for the Constructors’ Championship. Eventually Leimer was able to clinch 3rd place, whereas DAMS were able to secure their first ever GP2 Series Constructors’ Championship.
This race brought the 2012 GP2 Series to a fine conclusion, which has seen Davide Valsecchi and DAMS crowned Drivers’ and Constructors’ Champions respectively. Esteban Gutierrez and Lotus were able to finish 3rd in the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships respectively, with Luiz Razia the runner-up in the Drivers’ Championship.
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
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