Marciello ends GP2 debut fastest after day one of post-season test
Reigning FIA Formula 3 Euro Series Champion Raffaele Marciello has ended the opening day of the GP2 post-season test fastest around Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit, after making his first appearance in the Series with Trident Racing. Alexander Rossi topped the morning session for Caterham, ahead of Daniel Abt and Johnny Cecotto.
With the GP2 season now at a conclusion after yet another thrilling finale around the Yas Marina Circuit, the Series retook to the tricky 5.554km circuit to carry out their traditional post-season test. As per usual a combination of returnees and debutants got behind the wheel of the numerous machines for the opening day of the test, with Pirelli nominating the medium tyre compound for the three days of track action. Johnny Cecotto set the initial pace in the morning session with a 01:50.642, ahead of former Arden International team-mate Mitch Evans.
The morning session ran relatively incident-free, apart from a brief red flag delay when rookie Denis Nagulin stopped for Venezuela GP Lazarus. Once the Russian’s car had been retrieved by the marshals, Alexander Rossi proceeded to rise to the top of the timing sheets for Caterham. The American sensation took his maiden GP2 race victory around the Yas Marina Circuit last weekend, and looked on fine form once again as he managed to produce the first timed lap of the day below the 01:50s with a 01:49.958. During the final minutes of the session Daniel Abt slotted into 2nd position for Hilmer Motorsport, with Johnny Cecotto 3rd for Venezuela GP Lazarus.
Alexander Rossi ended the morning session fastest ahead of Daniel Abt and Johnny Cecotto.
After allowing the GP3 Series to take to the Yas Marina Circuit for their opening day of track action, the evening session began under the iconic floodlights. Monegasque driver Stephane Richelmi managed to set the initial benchmark for DAMS, before former GP3 driver Carlos Sainz rose to the top for MW Arden. The Spanish sensation remained at the top of the timing sheets for the majority of the evening session, with the likes of Stoffel Vandoorne, Will Stevens, Rene Binder and Daniel Abt all gradually lowering the gap at the front.
However, with only one hour remaining in the opening day of the test, rookie Raffaele Marciello stormed to the top for Trident Racing with an impressive 01:49.811. Shortly after rising to the top for the Italian outfit, the second red flag delay of the day occurred when Alexander Rossi was forced to come to a halt out on the circuit after picking up a puncture due to a flat-spot. Despite the session being resumed for a short period before the conclusion, Raffaele Marciello managed to remain fastest ahead of Carlos Sainz and Daniel Abt with Johnny Cecotto 4th.
The GP2 fraternity will return to the Yas Marina Circuit tomorrow for the second day of track action, with numerous driver changes scheduled to ripple throughout the paddock. Jolyon Palmer will join Stephane Richelmi at DAMS, Sam Bird will return to GP2 to replace the still-injured Tom Dillmann at Russian Time whilst reigning British Formula Three Champion Jordan King will make his GP2 debut at Barwa Addax.
Morning times Pos Driver Team Time Laps 1. Alexander Rossi Caterham 1m49.958s 22 2. Daniel Abt Hilmer 1m50.608s 20 3. Johnny Cecotto Lazarus 1m50.643s 12 4. Mitch Evans Russian Time 1m50.722s 20 5. Raffaele Marciello Trident 1m50.812s 20 6. Daniel De Jong MP Motorsport 1m51.038s 15 7. Nico Muller Arden 1m51.144s 23 8. Stephane Richelmi DAMS 1m51.152s 20 9. Will Stevens MP Motorsport 1m51.210s 21 10. Rene Binder Arden 1m51.234s 25 11. Simon Trummer Rapax 1m51.515s 23 12. Carlos Sainz Carlin 1m51.536s 20 13. Jazeman Jaafar Carlin 1m51.620s 27 14. Julian Leal Trident 1m51.627s 13 15. Andre Negrao Hilmer 1m51.734s 21 16. Rio Haryanto Racing Engineering 1m51.779s 24 17. Jolyon Palmer Racing Engineering 1m51.966s 21 18. Rodolfo Gonzalez Addax 1m52.056s 13 19. Stoffel Vandoorne ART 1m52.357s 28 20. Arthur Pic ART 1m52.422s 28 21. Artem Markelov Russian Time 1m52.763s 17 22. Sandy Stuvik Rapax 1m52.772s 20 23. Nikolay Martsenko Addax 1m53.419s 18 24. Denis Magulin Lazarus 1m55.231s 20 25. Facu Regalia Caterham no time 1 Afternoon times Pos Driver Team Time Laps 1. Raffaele Marciello Trident 1m49.811s 17 2. Carlos Sainz Carlin 1m49.967s 28 3. Daniel Abt Hilmer 1m50.120s 25 4. Johnny Cecotto Lazarus 1m50.206s 19 5. Jolyon Palmer Racing Engineering 1m50.238s 28 6. Mitch Evans Russian Time 1m50.279s 22 7. Rene Binder Arden 1m50.291s 22 8. Will Stevens MP Motorsport 1m50.392s 26 9. Andre Negrao Hilmer 1m50.411s 26 10. Facu Regalia Caterham 1m50.525s 29 11. Stoffel Vandoorne ART 1m50.538s 23 12. Arthur Pic ART 1m50.547s 26 13. Simon Trummer Rapax 1m50.610s 27 14. Julian Leal Trident 1m50.631s 26 15. Nicol Muller Arden 1m50.634s 20 16. Rio Haryanto Racing Engineering 1m50.712s 24 17. Stephane Richelmi DAMS 1m50.791s 27 18. Artem Markelov Russian Time 1m50.900s 25 19. Rodolfo Gonzalez Addax 1m50.993s 25 20. Daniel De Jong MP Motorsport 1m51.106s 22 21. Jazeman Jaafar Carlin 1m51.261s 22 22. Nikolay Martsenko Addax 1m51.339s 30 23. Sandy Stuvik Rapax 1m51.343s 24 24. Alexander Rossi Caterham 1m52.006s 35 25. Denis Nagulin Lazarus 1m53.510s 24
Picture(s) Copyright © Sam Bloxham & Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Calado storms to GP2 sprint race victory, Russian Time crowned Champions
James Calado has ended his GP2 season in tremendous style with sprint race victory around the Yas Marina Circuit, after only just holding off the advancing Spaniard of Dani Clos. The duo were joined on the podium by newly-crowned Champion Fabio Leimer, as rookie outfit Russian Time secured the Team’s Championship ahead of Carlin.
At the start James Calado produced a sensational getaway off of the line, storming from 3rd to 1st into Turn 1. Behind the Briton utter mayhem ensued, as Felipe Nasr collided with initial poleman Johnny Cecotto and tipped the Venezuelan into a spin. Luckily the remainder of the field managed to avoid the stricken car, as Rio Haryanto and Alexander Rossi made light contact in the process. This damaged the Indonesian ace’s front-wing, and gave the Caterham a puncture which saw him spiral into retirement at the second corner.
After the freneticism of the first two corners, the field managed to avoid further mayhem through Turns 5 and 6, as James Calado enjoyed a huge lead at the front ahead of Dani Clos and Champion Fabio Leimer. Despite starting from a positive 2nd on the grid, Felipe Nasr’s chances of a competitive result were dashed after the opening lap, as the Brazilian driver limped back to the pits for a new front-wing. Meanwhile Sam Bird was up to 5th position behind the ART Grand Prix of Daniel Abt, with the Briton still striving to secure Russian Time the Teams’ Championship from Carlin.
With the marshals clearing both Johnny Cecotto and Alexander Rossi’s stricken machines, the safety car was deployed for just one lap. This saw James Calado’s dominant lead reduced to nothing as the field bunched up behind the safety car, before the race was resumed on Lap 3. Despite the resumption of the race, marshals were still sweeping the run-off area at Turn 2, creating a perilous few seconds as the field sprinted through the first few corners with yellow flags still flying. Eventually the marshals returned to their posts behind the barriers, allowing the yellow flags to be withdrawn and the race to well and truly be resumed.
With the Teams’ Championship still wide open between both Carlin and Russian Time, Sam Bird’s result would be pivotal in deciding the eventual Champions with team-mate Tom Dillmann not competing due to minor injuries sustained during the feature race. With Felipe Nasr struggling at the back of the pack after his first lap altercation with Johnny Cecotto, Carin’s hopes of Championship success lied heavily on the shoulders of Jolyon Palmer. The Briton had unfortunately endured a far from competitive start, and had slipped from 7th to 11th during the restart.
Russian Time managed to clinch the Teams’ Championship.
Sam Bird, on the other hand, had managed to gain a position over Daniel Abt for 4th position at Turns 11 and 12. The Briton now had his sights firmly set on former Championship rival Fabio Leimer for 3rd, with the Championship pendulum currently swinging in favour of Russian Time. Meanwhile James Calado was continuing to dominate at the front of the pack, producing the fastest lap of the race leaving Dani Clos a distant 2nd. After already enduring a tough start to his sprint race, Felipe Nasr was then struck with a drive-thru penalty for causing the incident. This fully ended any hopes he had of mounting a resurgence.
On Lap 9 a second safety car period was caused when the Hilmer Motorsport of Jon Lancaster misjudged an overtaking maneuver on the DAMS of Stephane Richelmi at Turns 8 and 9. Instead of taking to the extensive run-off areas, the Briton elected to run alongside the Monegasque driver which resulted in a race ending collision and subsequent spin. Luckily for Stephane Richelmi he managed to remain circulating, after sustaining hardly any damage in the process. Once again James Calado’s lead was reduced to nothing, with Dani Clos still 2nd ahead of Fabio Leimer.
At the restart James Calado simply catapulted himself back into a commanding lead at the front, as Julian Leal and Jolyon Palmer began battling hard for 10th position. At Turn 14 the duo made light contact after running side-by-side, resulting in minor front-wing damage for the Colombian driver. At first Jolyon Palmer seemed to have escaped unscathed, however the Briton’s race and his team’s Championship hopes were brought to a sudden conclusion when a left-rear puncture materialized. Although the Briton managed to limp back to the pits, he later retired from proceedings.
This meant Sam Bird needed to only remain in 4th position to clinch the Teams’ Championship for Russian Time, with Daniel Abt still clinging on the rear of his car in hope of retaking the 4th position from the Briton. With only several laps remaining, Adrian Quaife-Hobbs became the latest retirement for Hilmer Motorsport after suffering from rear-suspension failure on his car.
During the final laps Dani Clos began to gradually reel in the ART Grand Prix of James Calado, but to no avail as the Briton crossed the line to secure his fourth race victory of the season to cement his 3rd position in the Drivers’ Championship. Meanwhile Sam Bird managed to cling on to 4th position to clinch Russian Time the Teams’ Championship, after a superlative debut season for the outfit who will venture into GP3 as well next season.
Once again the GP2 Series season managed to fully entertain and enthrall many throughout the year, with a staggering 11 different drivers taking race victories including the likes of Fabio Leimer, Sam Bird, Robin Frijns and Nathaniel Berthon. The GP2 season will return next year for what will surely be another extremely entertaining affair, as the next generation of Formula 1 drivers prove their worth.
Results - 22 laps:
Pos Driver Team/Car Time/Gap
1. James Calado ART 44m04.124s
2. Dani Clos MP +0.787s
3. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering +4.965s
4. Sam Bird Russian Time +9.440s
5. Daniel Abt ART +9.957s
6. Marcus Ericsson DAMS +11.981s
7. Simon Trummer Rapax +13.188s
8. Sergio Canamasas Caterham +16.432s
9. Stefano Coletti Rapax +18.117s
10. Julian Leal Racing Engineering +18.487s
11. Jake Rosenzweig Addax +24.753s
12. Rio Haryanto Addax +33.689s
13. Nathanael Berthon Trident +34.153s
14. Mitch Evans Arden +34.485s
15. Gianmarco Raimondo Trident +36.123s
16. Rene Binder Lazarus +36.884s
17. Daniel de Jong MP +37.471s
18. Felipe Nasr Carlin +40.271s
19. Vittorio Ghirelli Lazarus +41.869s
20. Stephane Richelmi DAMS +1m19.122s
21. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs Hilmer +3 laps*
*Not running at finish
Retirements:
Jolyon Palmer Carlin 17 laps
Jon Lancaster Hilmer 9 laps
Johnny Cecotto Jr Arden 0 laps
Alexander Rossi Caterham 0 laps
Picture(s) Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Ellinas fends off Stoneman to take final race victory in GP3 at Abu Dhabi
Tio Ellinas has managed to hold off the advances of Dean Stoneman to take the final race victory of the 2013 GP3 season, after yet another thrilling race around Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit. The leading duo were closely followed by a throng of drivers, with Conor Daly only just ahead of team-mate Jack Harvey and Champion Daniil Kvyat.
At the start Tio Ellinas stormed into the lead of the race, whilst initial poleman Patrick Kujala endured a torrid getaway off of the line and plummeted down the order with Dean Stoneman and Conor Daly swamping the Finn during the opening few corners. Despite some drivers running wide on the exit of Turn 1 and a slight wheel-banging contest between Facu Regalia and Emanuele Zonzini, the field managed to negotiate the tricky first sector without too much trouble.
By the end of the opening lap Dean Stoneman was beginning to pile serious amounts of pressure on race leader Tio Ellinas, with Conor Daly also proving to be a threat in 3rd position. Further down the order battles raged on, with Dino Zamparelli and Robert Visoiu in particular lightly colliding at the end of the long back-straight. Luckily both drivers managed to continue racing, with no serious damage sustained to either of their cars. At the front of the pack Tio Ellinas asserted his authority by producing the fastest lap of the race, in a bid to break away from the hard-charging Dean Stoneman.
As the race wore on newly-crowned Champion Daniil Kvyat soon began scything his way through the order, after initially starting the race from way down in 8th due to the reversal of the top eight after the opening race of the weekend. Eventually the impressive Russian managed to nip ahead of the Carlin of Nick Yelloly for 6th at Turn 7, before then being forced to defend heavily as the Briton strove to retake the position down the back-straight. After securing the reverse grid pole, Finnish driver Patrick Kujala began to seriously struggle as the race progressed.
Soon the 17-year-old Finn was under severe pressure from the MW Arden of Daniil Kvyat, who managed to simply glide around the outside of him for 5th position. Despite Kvyat’s impressive maneuver on Kujala, others found it difficult to find a way around the Koiranen GP driver. As the race progressed, a long line of drivers began to form behind Patrick Kujala, headed by the Carlin duo of Nick Yelloly and Alexander Sims. After many laps striving to repeat Daniil Kvyat’s move around the outside, Yelloly and Sims finally muscled their way around the Finn at Turn 14 in superlative style.
This maneuver by the duo finally opened the proverbial floodgates for the rest of the field, as Patrick Kujala unfortunately continued to plummet through the order as the final laps of the race ticked away. After being released from behind the Koiranen GP driver, Nick Yelloly managed to produce the fastest lap of the race as the battle at the front began to intensify within the closing laps.
With only several laps remaining, Dean Stoneman began reeling in race leader Tio Ellinas once again. Meanwhile Conor Daly was beginning to be pressurized by team-mate Jack Harvey, with Champion Daniil Kvyat waiting in the wings should anyone make a mistake. Despite the two ART Grand Prix drivers of Conor Daly and Jack Harvey running side-by-side down the back-straight, the positions at the front remained unchanged as Tio Ellinas once again crossed the line to secure the final race victory of the season for Marussia Manor Racing.
During the final lap the Cypriot’s team-mate of Ryan Cullen was involved in a minor incident with the Jenzer Motorsport of Samin Gomez, however both drivers managed to make it to the finish albeit towards the rear of the order. Alice Powell endured a frustrating return to the GP3 Series for Bamboo Engineering, however her pace on the final lap showed she certainly has the pace in the GP3/13 machine.
With the 2013 GP3 Series season now officially at a conclusion, many drivers will be aiming to ‘graduate’ to other categories in their quest to eventually make it in the frenetic world of Formula 1. Daniil Kvyat has already secured such ambitions, and will return next season behind the wheel of the Toro Rosso. With such a fearsome display of pace throughout the season, the Russian ace will undoubtedly be an exciting new prospect for the Red Bull family.
Picture Copyright © Sam Bloxham/GP3 Series Media Service
Daniil Kvyat ends the GP3 season in style with Championship success
Daniil Kvyat has ended his GP3 campaign in style after storming to Championship glory with a lights to flag victory around Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit, eventually finishing ahead of the Carlin duo of Alexander Sims and Nick Yelloly. Next season the Russian sensation will make the big step up to Formula 1 with Toro Rosso.
At the start Daniil Kvyat glided into a commanding lead ahead of the Carlins’, as further behind fellow Championship rival Kevin Korjus stalled on the grid. Miraculously the entire field safely managed to avoid the stricken Estonian driver, as the usual freneticism ensued throughout the first few corners. As Daniil Kvyat stormed into the lead of the race, Nick Yelloly and Alexander Sims settled into 2nd and 3rd behind the Russian ace. Further behind mayhem ensued at the chicane, as Carmen Jorda brought her race to a premature conclusion after bumping over the high kerbs.
Although the Spanish driver managed to avoid collision with fellow female driver Alice Powell, Carmen Jorda was still forced into an unfortunate retirement after sustaining damage to her steering column. With her car stranded at the apex of Turn 6, the safety car was deployed to allow the marshals to safely clear the stricken machine. After only several laps behind the safety car, the race was resumed with Daniil Kvyat once again storming into the lead of the race ahead of the Carlin duo.
Further down the order, Daniil Kvyat’s fellow Championship competitors of Tio Ellinas and Facu Regalia battled hard for 9th position. At Turn 12 the Cypriot ran extensively wide in a bid to avoid a collision with his rival, and was subsequently forced to hand the position back after illegally gaining an advantage in the process. After enduring an uncompetitive season at Jenzer Motorsport throughout the year, Patric Niederhauser steadily began to drop through the order as the race ensued with Conor Daly quick to pounce upon the ailing Swiss driver.
The 22-year-old Münsingen-born driver continued to struggle as the laps slowly began to tick away, with Carlos Sainz now swarming all over the rear of his Jenzer Motorsport machine. As the duo jostled for position down the back straight, they collided at high speed. Amazingly Carlos Sainz managed to keep his MW Arden car out of the barriers, as he spun a full 360 degrees and luckily sustained minimal damage. The same, unfortunately, could not be said for Patric Niederhauser who was forced into retirement with damage sustained to his front-right suspension.
Whilst Carlos Sainz continued to circulate despite his incident with Patric Niederhauser, Alexander Sims soon managed to overtake his Carlin team-mate further up the track to assume 2nd position. Despite the impressive overtaking maneuver, the Carlin driver was unable to make any inroads to Daniil Kvyat’s dominant lead. Further down the order the battle between Facu Regalia and Tio Ellinas raged on, with the Cypriot running extensively wide once again in his bid to catch his rival, this time at Turn 17.
Despite both Alexander Sims and Nick Yelloly’s impressive performances in 2nd and 3rd position, no-one was able to put a stop to the fearsome pace of Daniil Kvyat. The 19-year-old Russian eventually crossed the line just under five seconds ahead of the Carlin duo, to take his third victory of the season and the Drivers’ Title. Although one more race remains to be run tomorrow morning, both Championships have been settled. However, Series rookie Patrick Kujala will start the second race from the reverse grid pole alongside former Championship contender Tio Ellinas.
Results - 14 laps:
Pos Driver Team Time/Gap
1. Daniil Kvyat MW Arden 29m40.145s
2. Nick Yelloly Carlin +4.677s
3. Alexander Sims Carlin +7.053s
4. Conor Daly ART +7.411s
5. Jack Harvey ART +8.333s
6. Dean Stoneman Koiranen +14.900s
7. Tio Ellinas Manor +18.235s
8. Patrick Kujala Koiranen +26.882s
9. Carlos Sainz Jr MW Arden +32.830s
10. Dino Zamparelli Manor +33.215s
11. Robert Visoiu MW Arden +34.100s
12. Giovanni Venturini Trident +34.781s
13. Kevin Korjus Koiranen +35.528s
14. Alex Fontana Jenzer +36.041s
15. Emanuele Zonzini Trident +36.045s
16. Facu Regalia ART +36.957s
17. Robert Cregan Trident +38.133s
18. Adderly Fong Status +39.707s
19. Luis Sa Silva Carlin +40.829s
20. Alice Powell Bamboo +41.277s
21. Ryan Cullen Manor +44.591s
22. Josh Webster Status +49.911s
23. Samin Gomez Jenzer +1m30.470s
24. Jimmy Eriksson Status +1 lap
Retirements:
Carmen Jorda Bamboo 4 laps
Patric Niederhauser Jenzer 0 laps
Picture Copyright © Sam Bloxham/GP3 Series Media Service
Rossi takes maiden GP2 victory as Leimer is crowned Champion
Alexander Rossi has made GP2 history around the Yas Marina Circuit by becoming the first driver from America to win a race in the Series, whilst Fabio Leimer made history of his own by becoming the first Swiss driver to clinch the coveted Drivers’ Championship. Fellow rival Sam Bird suffered a disastrous race, after stalling on the grid.
Initially the start of the race was delayed after both Gianmarco Raimondo, Nathaniel Berthon and Adrian Quaife-Hobbs stalled on the grid as the five red lights came on. This saw the rest of the field once again circulate the Yas Marina Circuit on a second formation lap, as the three cars in question where wheeled into the pit-lane to start the race. With tensions running high, the five red flights once again illuminated over the grid as pole man Alexander Rossi prepared to sprint into action.
At the start utter mayhem ensued as Championship contender Sam Bird stalled on the grid, with the rest of the field including his main Championship rival Fabio Leimer miraculously avoiding the stranded Russian Time machine. As Sam Bird was wheeled back into the pits to restart his car and take to the track, carnage ensued at Turns 5 and 6 as Jon Lancaster was perilously launched into the air and onto the top of Tom Dillmann’s car. Luckily the front of the Briton’s machine only just missed the head of Tom Dillmann, as the rest of the field strove to avoid the melee.
Sam Bird is disconsolately wheeled back into the pits after stalling at the start.
This incident understandably saw the safety car deployed, which greatly assisted Sam Bird who managed to return to the action after stalling on the grid and not fall a lap down. At the front Jolyon Palmer managed to take the lead ahead of the Caterham of Alexander Rossi, with Championship leader Fabio Leimer a strong 3rd. As the marshals cleared away the stricken cars’ of Jon Lancaster and Tom Dillmann, Stephane Richelmi became the next retirement in his DAMS after returning to the pits. A replay of the Turn 5 incident showed the Monegasque driver also bouncing over the sharp kerbs behind the Lancaster and Dillmann incident, which could well have been a factor in his retirement.
After only a short period of time behind the safety car, the race was resumed with Jolyon Palmer in a dominant lead ahead of Alexander Rossi and Fabio Leimer. Further down the order saw Sam Bird scything his way through the order in a bid to redeem himself after his torrid start. At Turns 8 and 9, the British sensation managed to pass both Nathaniel Berthon and Adrian Quaife-Hobbs, before the first few scheduled pit-stops ensued. After enduring a tough qualifying session in his Rapax, Stefano Coletti’s race failed to improve, as the Monegasque driver lightly collided with the ART Grand Prix of James Calado before pitting a lap later.
On Lap 7 yellow flags began appearing in the first few corners, after bollard was knocked loose and onto the circuit. Luckily it was residing off of the racing line, allowing it to be retrieved without the necessity for a safety car intervention. A lap later Sam Bird returned to the pits for a new set of tyres along with Indonesian star Rio Haryanto, whilst race leader Jolyon Palmer continued to produce fastest laps in the lead of the race. Several laps later the other Championship contender of Fabio Leimer pitted along with Felipe Nasr, Sergio Canamasas and Dani Clos, whilst James Calado’s miserable weekend continued as was heard complaining of no power. A replay indicated that the Briton’s bargeboard had worked its way loose and had become stuck in his air intake.
After making his mandatory pit-stop, Championship leader Fabio Leimer began scything his way through the field with half of the drivers ahead of him still yet to stop. This saw the Swiss sensation breeze around Gianmarco Raimondo, who strove to make his car as wide as possible in his defense. Meanwhile further freneticism ensued further back, as Simon Trummer and Jake Rosenzweig collided at Turns 8 and 9. This saw both drivers come under investigation, with Simon Trummer eventually struck with a drive-thru penalty.
As the final feature race of the season continued, Vittorio Ghirelli became the latest retirement after returning to the pits. Meanwhile out on track Stefano Coletti continued to make minor mistakes, as the 24-year-old lightly tapped the rear of Gianmarco Raimondo’s Trident Racing. After loosing the lead at the start to Jolyon Palmer, Alexander Rossi eventually made his stop on Lap 18. In a bid to overtake the Briton when he made his pit-stop, the Caterham mechanics elected to only change the rear tyres.
Alexander Rossi made GP2 history for America.
This tactic proved sensational, as Jolyon Palmer pitted for his stop a lap later and returned to the track frustratingly behind the bright green Caterham of Alexander Rossi. However, the British driver had super-soft tyres bolted to his Carlin, which would give him a slight advantage for several laps before tyre wear intervened. Although Alexander Rossi was now in a net 1st place after rising ahead of Jolyon Palmer, Marcus Ericsson had in fact assumed the lead as he had yet to make his mandatory stop. Eventually the top three of Marcus Ericsson, Mitch Evans and James Calado all peeled off into the pits several laps later, thus allowing Daniel Abt to lead his first laps of the season.
Eventually the final two drivers of Daniel de Jong and Daniel Abt pitted on Lap 22, which released Alexander Rossi into the lead of the race ahead of the hard-charging Jolyon Palmer. With the race drawing to a climactic conclusion with Fabio Leimer on course to securing the Drivers’ Championship, the safety car was deployed for a second time after Mitch Evans collided with the Caterham of Sergio Canamasas at Turn 21. This saw the reigning GP3 Champion forced into retirement, as the field bunched up with Alexander Rossi still at the front.
As absolute confusion ensued in the Rapax pits as both Stefano Coletti and Simon Trummer pitted together without informing the team, Sam Bird had managed to rise up to 10th and a points-paying position. With Fabio Leimer running in 3rd position, all Bird required was a 7th place finish or higher to keep his Championship hopes alive. At the restart Alexander Rossi catapulted himself into a commanding lead, as Marcus Ericsson brought the Championship tension to breaking-point by overtaking Fabio Leimer for 3rd.
Now all Sam Bird required was a 9th place finish, as he lay in 10th position stuck behind the ART Grand Prix of Daniel Abt. As Nathaniel Berthon retired in a plume of smoke after his engine expired, Alexander Rossi crossed the line to take his and America’s maiden victory in the GP2 Series. Despite his jubilation, all eyes were focused on the Racing Engineering of Fabio Leimer and Russian Time of Sam Bird, whose positions remained unchanged as they crossed the line. This meant Fabio Leimer had secured the coveted GP2 title in nail-biting fashion, with Sam Bird 10th and only just unable to make the move for 9th.
On the last lap Stefano Coletti’s incident-filled race continued after he collided with the MP Motorsport of Daniel de Jong, which forced both drivers into retirement. Despite the Championship celebrations down in the Racing Engineering garages, tomorrow’s final sprint race still awaits the GP2 fraternity. Johnny Cecotto has managed to secure the reverse grid pole for Arden International, and will start the race alongside Felipe Nasr.
Results - 29 laps:
Pos Driver Team/Car Time/Gap
1. Alexander Rossi Caterham 1h00m16.414s
2. Jolyon Palmer Carlin +2.130s
3. Marcus Ericsson DAMS +3.075s
4. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering +4.687s
5. Dani Clos MP +5.218s
6. James Calado ART +6.370s
7. Felipe Nasr Carlin +8.873s
8. Johnny Cecotto Jr Arden +12.142s
9. Daniel Abt ART +13.102s
10. Sam Bird Russian Time +13.568s
11. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs Hilmer +14.852s
12. Sergio Canamasas Caterham +15.896s
13. Simon Trummer Rapax +15.919s
14. Rio Haryanto Addax +19.021s
15. Rene Binder Lazarus +19.229s
16. Julian Leal Racing Engineering +21.039s
17. Gianmarco Raimondo Trident +23.308s
18. Nathanael Berthon Trident +1 lap*
19. Stefano Coletti Rapax +1 lap*
20. Daniel de Jong MP +1 lap*
21. Jake Rosenzweig Addax +3 laps*
*Not running at finish
Retirements:
Mitch Evans Arden 22 laps
Vittorio Ghirelli Lazarus 9 laps
Stephane Richelmi DAMS 1 lap
Tom Dillmann Russian Time 0 laps
Jon Lancaster Hilmer 0 laps
Picture(s) Copyright © Sam Bloxham & Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Marcus Ericsson stripped of GP2 pole after exceeding track limits
After storming to a sensational pole position for tomorrow’s final GP2 feature race around Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit, Sweden’s Marcus Ericsson has been stripped of his pole position, after it was deemed he exceeded the track limits. This has therefore promoted Alexander Rossi to his maiden pole position in the Series.
This shock decision from the race stewards will see the Swedish sensation drop through the order, after initially impressing many within the paddock with what was initially a superlative performance from the DAMS driver. However, only just over an hour after the all-important qualifying session confirmation emerged from the race stewards stating that Marcus Ericsson had been stripped of his pole position, which has subsequently seen Alexander Rossi rise up to his maiden pole position of his GP2 career in unorthodox style.
With Marcus Ericsson now demoted through the order, Championship contenders Sam Bird and Fabio Leimer have each risen one position up the order. This will see Sam Bird start tomorrow’s all-important feature race from the front-row of the grid alongside Alexander Rossi, with the second row consisting of Carlin’s Jolyon Palmer and Championship leader Fabio Leimer. With a relatively clear track now in front of him on the grid, Sam Bird will unquestionably be aiming for a stellar getaway off of the line in a bid to secure what would be an imperative race victory.
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Marcus Ericsson pips Alexander Rossi to GP2 pole at Abu Dhabi
Marcus Ericsson has stormed to his third pole position in the GP2 Series, after a thrilling qualifying session for the final feature race of the season. The Swedish ace only just managed to deny Alexander Rossi the luxury of securing his maiden pole in the Series, with Championship rivals Sam Bird and Fabio Leimer 3rd and 5th respectively.
The final qualifying session of the season began under the floodlights around the Yas Marina Circuit, as Simon Trummer lead out a long queue of drivers once the session finally got underway. During the opening minutes of the session almost the entire field immediately took to the track, with only the ART Grand Prix duo of James Calado and Daniel Abt remaining in the pit-lane. As the many drivers out on track jostled for a clean lap, Championship contender Stefano Coletti produced the first timed lap of the session with a 01:59.714.
Alexander Rossi narrowly missed out on what would’ve been his maiden GP2 pole.
Naturally the times quickly began to tumble as the qualifying session continued, as the likes of Simon Trummer, Jolyon Palmer and Alexander Rossi each contributed in lowering the benchmark with the latter producing a 01:49.675. As the battle for pole raged on at the sharp-end of the order, Felipe Nasr and Alexander Rossi came perilously close to colliding at Turns 8 and 9 but somehow managed to avoid each other. Jolyon Palmer soon managed to return to the top with a 01:49.376 for Carlin, before Alexander Rossi produced a sensational final sector to storm to the top with a 01:49.276 which included narrowly avoiding the slow moving ART Grand Prix of Daniel Abt.
Meanwhile the private battle between the main two Championship contenders raged on behind the fight for provisional pole, as Fabio Leimer managed to rise ahead of rival Sam Bird into 3rd position. However, the Championship leader then suffered a major lock-up at Turns 8 and 9 which scuppered his next flying lap. As the session ensued many drivers came under investigation by the race stewards for varying misdemeanors centralized around potential blocking maneuvers, including Gianmarco Raimondo, James Calado, Daniel Abt and Alexander Rossi.
After enjoying an highly competitive start to the season for Rapax, Stefano Coletti has only just managed to cling on to the Championship fight at the front as the season draws to a conclusion. The Monegasque driver was visibly pushing his car through the first sector in a bid to rise up the order, however this ended in a string of errors which ultimately ruined his lap. After running perilously wide at the high-speed Turn 4, Coletti then completely cut Turn 6 after carrying way too much speed.
As many of the drivers up and down the gird prepared to return to the Yas Marina Circuit on fresh tyres in a bid to improve their position, Daniel Abt’s qualifying session simply failed to improve as the German’s left-rear wheel worked it’s way loose and fell off. This caused a momentary red flag delay as the car and wheel was removed by the marshals, therefore forcing everyone who had returned to the track on new tyres to frustratingly return to the pits.
After a delay of several minutes as Daniel Abt’s stricken ART Grand Prix car was removed along with it’s rogue wheel, the session was resumed in a flurry of freneticism as Rio Haryanto led out almost the entire field at once. Such was the urge to return to the track that Julian Leal almost collected Marcus Ericsson on his way out of the pits, which unsurprisingly saw him come under investigation by the stewards for an unsafe release. Despite relatively fresh tyres, neither Sam Bird or Fabio Leimer were able to challenge for pole position, as Marcus Ericsson asserted his authority over proceedings with a 01:48.924. This time enabled the Swedish sensation to secure pole position for DAMS, and will see him start the all-important feature alongside the Caterham of Alexander Rossi.
With Stefano Coletti qualifying way down in 18th position for Rapax, the Championship is now realistically only between the Racing Engineering of Fabio Leimer and the Russian Time of Sam Bird. Both drivers will start tomorrow’s race in the same vicinity of the grid, creating what will surely be a mouth-watering final feature race of what has been a superlative GP2 season.
Pos Driver Team Time Gap 1. Marcus Ericsson DAMS 1m48.924s 2. Alexander Rossi Caterham 1m48.931s +0.007s 3. Sam Bird Russian Time 1m49.241s +0.317s 4. Jolyon Palmer Carlin 1m49.376s +0.452s 5. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering 1m49.485s +0.561s 6. Tom Dillmann Russian Time 1m49.672s +0.748s 7. Johnny Cecotto Jr Arden 1m49.680s +0.756s 8. Jon Lancaster Hilmer 1m49.827s +0.903s 9. Felipe Nasr Carlin 1m49.829s +0.905s 10. Stephane Richelmi DAMS 1m49.835s +0.911s 11. Dani Clos MP 1m49.846s +0.922s 12. Mitch Evans Arden 1m49.864s +0.940s 13. Sergio Canamasas Caterham 1m49.951s +1.027s 14. James Calado ART 1m50.002s +1.078s 15. Rio Haryanto Addax 1m50.334s +1.410s 16. Nathanael Berthon Trident 1m50.446s +1.522s 17. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs Hilmer 1m50.510s +1.586s 18. Stefano Coletti Rapax 1m50.534s +1.610s 19. Julian Leal Racing Engineering 1m50.553s +1.629s 20. Simon Trummer Rapax 1m50.634s +1.710s 21. Jake Rosenzweig Addax 1m50.809s +1.885s 22. Rene Binder Lazarus 1m50.884s +1.960s 23. Daniel de Jong MP 1m50.906s +1.982s 24. Daniel Abt ART 1m50.907s +1.983s 25. Vittorio Ghirelli Lazarus 1m51.493s +2.569s 26. Gianmarco Raimondo Trident 1m52.311s +3.387s
Picture(s) Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Alice Powell to complete GP3 return with Bamboo Engineering
Alice Powell will complete a return to the GP3 Series with Bamboo Engineering for this weekend’s season finale around Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit. The 20-year-old competed in the category last season for Status Grand Prix, and has competed in the F3 Cup this season.
This weekend will see the inaugural GP3 Series event around the Yas Marina Circuit, which will play host to the season finale as the likes of Facu Regalia and Daniil Kvyat battle at the sharp-end of the Championship standings. Whilst that battle rages on, Alice Powell has been confirmed at Bamboo Engineering, as a replacement for Britain’s Melville McKee who won at Germany earlier in the season. The Briton will join fellow female driver Carmen Jorda in the the outfit this weekend, with the third seat within the team still unconfirmed. Alice Powell is understandably eager to make her return to the Series, and make her first appearance in the new GP3/13 machine.
“I’m really looking forward to racing in Abu Dhabi and to step into a GP3 car again.” Explained Alice Powell, “Obviously the car is very different from what I drove last year and to anything I’ve raced before, so it will take time to get used to the car and tyres. But I can’t wait to get on track and I will give it my best shot.”
Despite making their debut in the GP3 Series this season after purchasing the Atech CRS outfit soon after last year’s season had drawn to a conclusion, the Silverstone-based outfit will this weekend be competing in their final GP3 race weekend after being bought by current GP2 debutants Russian Time. For Alice Powell and her team-mates’, this weekend will all be about striving to impress with an ambition of securing a full-time drive for the 2014 GP3 season.
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP3 Series Media Service
Simon Trummer to remain with Rapax in GP2 for 2014
Swiss driver Simon Trummer has been confirmed with Rapax for next season, as the GP2 Series gears up for it’s final race weekend at Abu Dhabi. The 24-year-old will compete in his third season with the Italian outfit in 2014, after previously competing with Arden International and also Jenzer Motorsport in the GP3 Series.
After graduating from the GP3 Series in 2012 to Arden International, Simon Trummer soon switched to Rapax to partner Stefano Coletti. Although the Monegasque ace has stormed to an impressive string of results this season, Simon Trummer has unquestionably impressed with two personal best results of 6th at both the Malaysian and Hungarian Grands Prix. The Frutigen-born driver began his open-wheel career in the Formula Lista Junior category in 2006, before then moving up to the Formula Renault 2.0 Suisse Championship in 2007. From there he has gradually risen through the junior categories to the GP2 Series, where he is understandably excited with the prospect of remaining with Rapax in 2014.
“Continuing my motor racing career in the GP2 Series is such a great thing, and doing it with Rapax, a team that feels like home to me, makes it even greater!” Enthused the Swiss driver, “We had a good start this season, and after that we had to work and fight a lot. I know that together with the them [Rapax], thanks to hard work and commitment during the winter, we can put together a really good season next year.”
So far Simon Trummer has yet to finish on the podium in the GP2 Series, unlike experienced team-mate Stefano Coletti who has taken numerous race victories so far this season which has enabled him to remain a Championship contender throughout the year. However, with his future in the feeder category confirmed for 2014, Simon Trummer will undoubtedly be aiming for a competitive season next year in what will be his third year in Formula 1’s main support category.
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Fabio Leimer calm ahead of GP2 Championship showdown
Racing Engineering’s Fabio Leimer is remaining calm ahead of the GP2 Championship showdown this weekend around the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, which will finally see the 2013 GP2 Series Champion crowned. The Swiss ace is currently seven points clear of Sam Bird at the top of the Championship.
After twenty races in 2013 visiting legendary circuits such as Monte-Carlo, Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps, the GP2 Series will come to an enthralling conclusion this weekend around Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit. With only two races still to run, five drivers can still mathematically clinch the Championship, however Fabio Leimer and Sam Bird are unquestionably entering the finale as favourites as they sit only seven points clear of each other at the top of the standings. Despite this presumption, both Felipe Nasr, Stefano Coletti and James Calado could each pose a threat as the season draws to an end.
Although the Russian Time of Sam Bird has clinched two more victories than his Championship rival throughout the 2013 season, Fabio Leimer still sits atop the Championship standings heading into the finale. Both Fabio Leimer and Sam Bird began their separate GP2 careers’ back in 2009 around the Yas Marina Circuit in the Asian Series, with both drivers gradually rising through the category to become regular race winners and Championship contenders. Despite the expected pressure heading into the final GP2 race weekend leading the Drivers’ Championship, Fabio Leimer is remaining exceptionally calm.
Sam Bird sits only seven points behind Championship leader Fabio Leimer.
“It’s good to go to Abu Dhabi with a seven point lead, but we have to focus on the race weekend and not the Championship.” Explained Fabio Leimer, who is poised to become Switzerland’s first GP2 Champion. “We will concentrate on doing a good job, as we have done all year long. Pressure is not a problem because we have been working for this for several years. There is no reason to become nervous when you finally get the chance to achieve what you have worked so hard for.”
Throughout the 2013 season, the GP2 Series has visited a diverse collection of circuits around the world as Formula 1’s main support category. This has seen the many drivers tackle the notorious streets of Monte-Carlo, muscle their way around the sweeping curves of the ever-daunting Spa-Francorchamps circuit and also enjoy the long straights of the Autodromo di Monza. However, this weekend’s circuit will pose an altogether different challenge to the numerous drivers. With the first sector a combination of fast-flowing curves and never-ending straights, the second and third sectors are reminiscent to a street circuit such as Marina Bay in Singapore or even Monte-Carlo.
Despite the challenge awaiting the Championship contenders, Fabio Leimer is unperturbed by the Yas Marina Circuit’s difficult layout. The Rothrist-born driver made his GP2 debut around the circuit in 2009, and won the last GP2 event at the circuit in 2011 for the Spanish outfit from pole position. Undoubtedly due to his previous success around the circuit, Fabio Leimer is eager to get the track action underway for this weekend’s GP2 season finale.
“I like the Yas Marina Circuit a lot.” Enthused Fabio Leimer, “I drove my first ever GP2 race in Abu Dhabi and actually finished on the podium, and last time we drove here things went pretty well for me as well. Even though I normally prefer the fast tracks, Abu Dhabi is one of my favourite venues, I could not say why in particular. Just the whole layout is amazing and I am really looking forward to the races there.”
Due to the tight and twisty confines of the second and third sectors in particular, Fabio Leimer will unquestionably be striving to secure only his second pole position of the season. However, there is no denying that the Swiss ace will meet strong resistance throughout the weekend from his fellow Championship rivals, with other drivers such as Marcus Ericsson, Tom Dillmann and Jolyon Palmer all out to enjoy a competitive race weekend in a bid to secure race seats for 2014.
Picture(s) Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
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