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
Berthon fends off Evans to secure maiden GP2 victory at Budapest
Nathaniel Berthon has stormed to his maiden victory in the GP2 Series, after masterfully fending off the charging Mitch Evans around the Hungaroring. The leading duo were followed by Fabio Leimer in the Racing Engineering machine, albeit over ten seconds behind the Kiwi.
At the start Nathaniel Berthon shot into a commanding lead from the reverse grid pole, as Marcus Ericsson rose from 7th to 4th at Turn 1. Further down the order carnage ensued as Sergio Canamasas, Daniel de Jong and Adrian Quaife-Hobbs all made contact. All three drivers were eventually forced into retirement, with Canamasas limping back to the pits without a front or rear-wing. The resulting incident momentarily brought out the safety car, as the ever-efficient Hungarian marshals cleared the stricken cars and detritus littered across the track.
After the opening lap both Ricardo Teixeira and Daniel Abt pitted, as the leaders caught up with the safety car. Eventually the race was resumed, with Nathaniel Berthon propelling himself back into a commanding lead ahead of Mitch Evans. Felipe Nasr stormed up the inside of Simon Trummer at Turn 1, with Stephane Richelmi striving to do likewise but ultimately failing to make the move stick.
As the sprint race progressed, Venezuela GP Lazarus debutant Vittorio Ghirelli leaped across the grass at Turn 2 in a bizarre overtaking maneuver on Johnny Cecotto. Dani Clos suffered from a puncture on Lap 5, after the GP2 returnee made a minor error by skipping across the grass towards the end of the lap. This saw the Spaniard limp back to the pits, and plummet down the order in what was turning out to be a disastrous return to the Series. Whilst the usual excitement ensued throughout the order, Nathaniel Berthon had managed to extend his lead to three seconds over Mitch Evans.
On Lap 6, Championship leader Stefano Coletti’s race weekend failed to improve as the Monegasque driver was forced to pit for a new front-wing. This naturally saw the 24-year-old fall even further down the order, as many drivers were instructed by their race engineers’ to preserve their tyres for the end of the race. Julian Leal and Alexander Rossi made contact at Turn 1 on Lap 12, with the Colombian driver picking up a puncture and subsequently spinning off at Turn 2. Although Leal was able to return to the track and pit for new tyres, Alexander Rossi was struck with a drive-thru penalty for causing an avoidable incident.
As the race entered its closing stages, the gap between race leader Nathaniel Berthon and Mitch Evans ebbed and flowed, as Johnny Cecotto returned to the pits to retire on Lap 20. Although the reigning GP3 Champion gradually lowered the gap to Nathaniel Berthon, the Kiwi was unable to stop the Frenchman securing his first victory in the Series and Trident Racing’s first since Hungary back in 2011.
Results - 28 laps:
Pos Driver Team Time/Gap
1. Nathanael Berthon Trident 45m06.319s
2. Mitch Evans Arden +2.239s
3. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering +13.441s
4. Marcus Ericsson DAMS +15.983s
5. Felipe Nasr Carlin +23.367s
6. James Calado ART +27.216s
7. Simon Trummer Rapax +31.387s
8. Sam Bird Russian Time +37.958s
9. Stephane Richelmi DAMS +40.002s
10. Rio Haryanto Addax +43.991s
11. Tom Dillmann Russian Time +44.383s
12. Jolyon Palmer Carlin +51.408s
13. Rene Binder Lazarus +51.699s
14. Daniel Abt ART +56.342s
15. Jake Rosenzweig Addax +1m01.084s
16. Alexander Rossi Caterham +1m05.663s
17. Vittorio Ghirelli Lazarus +1m11.592s
18. Jon Lancaster Hilmer +1m12.378s
19. Ricardo Teixeira Trident +1m13.045s
20. Julian Leal Racing Engineering +1 laps
Retirements:
Stefano Coletti Rapax 27 laps
Dani Clos MP 24 laps
Johnny Cecotto Jr Arden 19 laps
Sergio Canamasas Caterham 1 lap
Daniel de Jong MP 0 laps
Adrian Quaife-Hobbs Hilmer 0 laps
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Aaro Vainio storms to GP3 victory after lights-to-flag drive at Budapest
Aaro Vainio has stormed to his third GP3 victory around the Hungaroring, after a masterful lights-to-flag drive from the Finn who managed to fend off the charging Conor Daly during the closing laps. The leading duo were followed by Russian ace Daniil Kvyat in the MW Arden, with Jack Harvey 4th.
At the start Aaro Vainio stormed into a commanding lead over Conor Daly, as the 27-car field negotiated the tricky first few corners without incident. During the opening few laps Championship leader Tio Ellinas plummeted through the order, after first Patric Niederhauser and then Alex Fontana and Dino Zamparelli all overtook the struggling Cypriot. Whilst the field began to evenly spread themselves out around the tight and twisty confines of the Hungaroring, Aaro Vainio managed to open up a comfortable two second lead over the American ace of Conor Daly.
By Lap 9 Tio Ellinas managed to recover after his highly uncompetitive start to the race, with the Marussia Manor Racing driver managing to overtake Dino Zamparelli down the start/finish straight. As the race progressed numerous battles raged on up and down the order, with the likes of Patric Niederhauser, Giovanni Venturini and Tio Ellinas all battling hard for position. The latter began pushing beyond the limits in the closing stages of the race, as he dipped a wheel onto the grass and run extensively wide on the exit of Turn 4 but managed to rejoin.
The flow of the race was disrupted on Lap 12, after a big shunt between Luis Sa Silva and Emanuele Zonzini, with Samin Gomez also involved but miraculously able to continue. As Sa Silva, Zonzini and Gomez negotiated Turn 1, utter disaster struck when Gomez collided with Sa Silva and the unsuspecting Trident of Zonzini barrel-rolled over the Angolan driver. This incident naturally brought out the safety car, as the efficient marshals cleared the two stricken cars and debris.
After only several laps behind the safety car the race was resumed, with Conor Daly pressurizing race leader Aaro Vainio. The ART Grand Prix driver was frustratingly denied the luxury of overtaking the race leader, as the duo negotiated Turn 2 practically side-by-side. Further back the traditional GP3 mayhem ensued, as Lewis Williamson suffered a spectacular spin in a cloud of tyre smoke. Melville McKee endured a frustrating end to the race, as he dropped through the order whilst running wide with Jimmy Eriksson between Turns 4 and 5.
Despite the crazy end to the race, Aaro Vainio managed to keep his composure and secure a masterful victory after a mature drive from the Koiranen GP driver. The leading duo were separated by just +0.6 seconds across the line, with Daniil Kvyat just under five seconds behind for MW Arden. Robert Visoiu managed to finish 8th, therefore securing him the reverse grid pole for tomorrow’s second race. The Romanian driver will start alongside Kevin Korjus.
Results - 17 laps:
Pos Driver Team Time/Gap
1. Aaro Vainio Koiranen 29m17.213s
2. Conor Daly ART +0.691s
3. Daniil Kvyat MW Arden +4.853s
4. Jack Harvey ART +7.061s
5. Carlos Sainz Jr MW Arden +7.262s
6. Facu Regalia ART +7.507s
7. Kevin Korjus Koiranen +8.588s
8. Robert Visoiu MW Arden +9.307s
9. Patric Niederhauser Jenzer +10.295s
10. Giovanni Venturini Trident +11.550s
11. Alex Fontana Jenzer +12.736s
12. Tio Ellinas Manor +13.175s
13. Dino Zamparelli Manor +14.139s
14. Jimmy Eriksson Status +16.751s
15. Patrick Kujala Koiranen +18.645s
16. Nick Yelloly Carlin +18.793s
17. David Fumanelli Trident +19.245s
18. Melville McKee Bamboo +21.309s
19. Eric Lichtenstein Carlin +21.428s
20. Samin Gomez Jenzer +21.725s
21. Adderly Fong Status +22.012s
22. Josh Webster Status +22.372s
23. Carmen Jorda Bamboo +22.793s
24. Lewis Williamson Bamboo +23.417s
Retirements:
Driver Team Laps
Luis Sa Silva Carlin 12
Emanuele Zonzini Trident 12
Josh Webster Status 6
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP3 Series Media Service
All change in GP2 ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix
Several driver changes have occurred within the GP2 paddock ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, with former race winner Robin Frijns being replaced by British sensation Adrian Quaife-Hobbs at Hilmer Motorsport after the Dutchman allegedly ran out of money to continue competing in the category.
The GP2 Series will also welcome two returnees for this weekend’s proceedings, with 30-year-old Angolan Ricardo Teixeira replacing Kevin Ceccon at Trident Racing and former HRT reserve driver Dani Clos replacing Adrian Quaife-Hobbs at MP Motorsport. Ricardo Teixeira last competed in the category last season with Rapax, and failed to score a single point. He initially made his debut in the Series with Trident Racing in 2008, before a season competing in Formula 2. In 2011 Teixeira tested for Team Lotus (now known as Caterham) at both Valencia and Barcelona.
Dani Clos will return to the GP2 Series with MP Motorsport.
With Adrian Quaife-Hobbs moving to Hilmer Motorsport to replace Robin Frijns, Dutch newcomers MP Motorsport have called upon the services of former Formula 1 reserve driver and GP2 driver Dani Clos. The 24-year-old Spaniard created history last season during practice one at the Spanish Grand Prix, creating the first all-Spanish line-up in a Spanish Formula 1 team at Barcelona alongside Pedro de la Rosa. Clos continued to enjoy six outings with HRT last season, before the team failed to find a new owner for 2013. Dani Clos last competed in the GP2 Series last season with Barwa Addax for four races, and was a race winner with Racing Engineering at Istanbul in 2010.
“We’re delighted to welcome Dani to the team,” enthused MP Motorsport team principal, Sander Dorsman. “The experience he brings to the team will be priceless. He’s won in GP2 and has tested in Formula 1. We’re all really looking forward to working with him for the first time in Hungary this weekend.”
Although Adrian Quaife-Hobs will understandably be eager to continue progressing during his debut season in the GP2 Series with Hilmer Motorsport, many are surprised to see a talent such as Robin Frijns run out of budget to continue competing in the category. The reigning Formula Renault 3.5 Series Champion made his debut in the Series in Bahrain with the German outfit, before winning the Spanish Grand Prix feature race and finishing 2nd in the sprint race.
“So that was it then. No money no drive,” explained Robin Frijns, on the social networking site Twitter. “Winning Championship [sic] is not enough these days! Good luck for all the GP2 boys!”
The 21-year-old Dutchman is currently Sauber’s reserve driver, and drove for the Swiss outfit during their Young Driver Test at Silverstone last week. He will unquestionably be striving to return to the Series, after a highly competitive start to the season. For the likes of Dani Clos, Ricardo Teixeira and Adrian Quaife-Hobbs, it is their time to shine behind the wheel of the Renault-powered Dallara GP2/11.
Picture Copyright © Malcolm Griffiths/GP2 Series Media Service & HRT F1 Team
Giovanni Venturini Storms To Maiden GP3 Victory At Silverstone
Giovanni Venturini has stormed to his maiden victory in the GP3 Series, after a mature drive from the reverse grid pole fending off the charging local hero of Nick Yelloly throughout the entire race. The leading duo were joined on the rostrum by the Jenzer Motorsport of Alex Fontana, after a thrilling 15-lap race.
At the start Giovanni Venturini stormed into the lead with Nick Yelloly in hot pursuit, with the Briton momentarily rising into the lead at Turn 3 before running slightly wide and ceding the lead to the Italian at Turn 4. Further back carnage ensued as Robert Visoiu, Conor Daly, Emanuele Zonzini, Dino Zamparelli and Adderly Fong all collided at Turn 4 and were forced into retirement. Throughout the opening few laps Nick Yelloly swarmed over the rear of Giovanni Venturini’s Trident Racing machine, but to no avail as the 21-year-old defended his lead with superb maturity.
As Nick Yelloly settled into 2nd position and began to look after his tyres, David Fumanelli came under investigation from the stewards after allegedly overtaking Jimmy Eriksson under yellow flag conditions at Turn 4. Eventually the Italian driver was struck with a drive-thru penalty, as Kevin Korjus produced the fastest lap of the race on Lap 9 before being shown the black and white flag by the stewards for exceeding the track limits.
During the closing stages of the race, Nick Yelloly began to mount a charge for the lead of the race once again against Giovanni Venturini, however the Italian sensation continued to deny the local hero of the luxury of the lead. Try as the Carlin driver might, Venturini mastered an incredibly mature drive as Yelloly swarmed over the rear of his car in a bid to steal the lead during the closing stages of the race. The Briton managed to produce the fastest lap of the race in the process, which accounted for very little in the end as Giovanni Venturini stormed across the line to secure his maiden GP3 victory in superb fashion.
Picture Copyright © Malcolm Griffiths/GP3 Series Media Service
Jack Harvey Takes Maiden GP3 Victory In Incident-Filled Race
Jack Harvey has cruised to his maiden GP3 victory after an incident-filled 15 lap race around the legendary Silverstone circuit, which included a horrific incident for Patrick Kujala who barrel-rolled over the rear of David Fumanelli.
At the start Conor Daley jumped the start and stormed into 2nd position, whereas the American’s team-mate Jack Harvey shot from 2nd position into the lead at Turn 1. Through the opening corners several drivers ran slightly wide, including the MW Arden of Carlos Sainz jr. As many battles ensued throughout the order, race leader Jack Harvey proceeded to produce the fastest lap of the race. Further down the order Ryan Cullen and Jimmy Eriksson made minor contact at Turn 1, resulting in both drivers coming under investigation by the race stewards.
After visibly jumping the start, Conor Daly was struck with a drive-thru penalty along with the Bamboo Engineering of Melville McKee and the Trident Racing of David Fumanelli. As the race progressed, the safety car was deployed after a huge incident between Series rookie Patrick Kujala and David Fumanelli, with the former barrel-rolling over of the rear of the Italian’s machine. The Koiranen GP driver violently flew through the air and clattered into the retaining tyre barrier, eventually coming to rest upside-down.
The ever-efficient British marshals were immediately on the scene, as the 16-year-old Finn was assisted from his wrecked GP3/13 machine. The safety car period lasted for several laps as the stricken machines were cleared, before the race was resumed with only five laps remaining. Conor Daly immediately elected to serve his drive-thru penalty, as Jack Harvey stormed back into a commanding lead. As the race drew to a conclusion, Lewis Williamson and Carlos Sainz jr. collided whilst battling for 8th position and the reverse grid pole for tomorrow’s second race. The Briton was forced into a frustrating retirement down the Wellington Straight, as Sainz jr. limped around in his damaged MW Arden.
Despite the incident-filled 15 laps, Jack Harvey managed to bring his ART Grand Prix machine home to secure his maiden GP3 victory on home soil, ahead of initial pole-man Kevin Korjus with team-mate Facu Regalia a distant 3rd. Italian driver Giovanni Venturini will start tomorrow’s race from the reverse grid pole, alongside the Jenzer Motorsport driver of Alex Fontana.
Picture Copyright © Malcolm Griffiths/GP3 Series Media Service
Bird Is The Word In Monaco After Incident-Filled GP2 Feature Race
Sam Bird has taken a memorable victory around the streets of Monte-Carlo after a frenetic incident-filled feature race, which included a lengthy delay after a monumental multi-car pile-up at Turn 1. The British sensation was followed home by Kevin Ceccon, with reigning GP3 Champion Mitch Evans 3rd after another wonderful drive.
The start of the feature was initially delayed by roughly 15 minutes, after a barrier was fixed following an incident during a previous qualifying session. Eventually the five red lights went out to unleash utter carnage at Turn 1, whereas Sergio Canamasas stalled on the grid. Heading into Turn 1, Mitch Evans stormed into the lead from 2nd on the grid, whereas his team-mate Johnny Cecotto jr. ran straight into the retaining tyre barrier with Fabio Leimer alongside.
This resulted in a monumental multi-car incident further behind, as the entire GP2 field simply had no space to avoid the ensuing melee. Marcus Ericsson was one of the many drivers involved in the incident, as Jolyon Palmer spun in his urge to avoid a collision, blocking the track and creating a rather expensive car park. In total Johnny Cecotto jr., Fabio Leimer, Jolyon Palmer, Robin Frijns, Marcus Ericsson, Alex Rossi, Nathaniel Berthon, Kevin Giovesi and Julian Leal were all eliminated from proceedings, as the race was unsurprisingly red flagged.
Many others were also caught up in the incident, however the likes of Rene Binder, Jake Rosenzweig and Daniel Abt were luckily able to restart their engines and return to the back of the grid for the restart. Eventually it was decided that the race was to be restarted behind the safety car in the order the field were in at Sector One, with the drivers who were involved in the incident at the back of the grid in the order of their qualifying result.
As the race was restarted from behind the safety car, Mitch Evans took the lead ahead of Sam Bird in the Russian Time machine. After only one lap behind the safety car, the race returned to green flag conditions with the Kiwi out in front. However, it quickly became apparent that Sam Bird was much quicker than Mitch Evans, however the frustratingly narrow characteristics of the Monte-Carlo street circuit prevented the Briton from perfecting an maneuver for the lead.
By Lap 7 the order began completing their first compulsory pit-stops, with local hero and Championship leader Stefano Coletti and Frenchman Tom Dillmann becoming the first to do so. Sergio Canamasas was one of the many drivers who pitted early, however the reason for his stop was due largely to his minor incident with Jake Rosenzweig at Turn 10 which damaged his front-wing. On Lap 11 Kevin Ceccon elected to carry out his pit-stop, with the Trident Racing mechanics perfecting a stellar stop to allow the Italian to eventually leapfrog Mitch Evans who stopped a lap later.
The Kiwi’s stop allowed Sam Bird to assume the lead of the race, a lead he would retain until the checkered flag. During the many pit-stops, Dutchman Daniel de Jong managed to rise to 2nd for MP Motorsport. However, his 2nd position was ceded to Rene Binder on Lap 15 when he also carried out his pit-stop. The Dutchman suffered a slow stop, and dipped a tyre over the yellow line at the pit exit which saw him struck with a drive-thru penalty.
Whilst Daniel de Jong suffered a frustrating pit-stop, race leader Sam Bird’s Russian Time mechanics managed to perfect a mesmerizing pit-stop to enable the Briton to retain his lead over Rene Binder, Kevin Ceccon and Mitch Evans. The race at the front managed to continue relatively incident-free, despite the earlier carnage. However, further down the order saw Daniel Abt sneak up the inside of Rio Haryanto at Turn 19 and barge the Indonesian ace into the retaining wall. This saw Abt also struck with a drive-thru penalty, as Haryanto was forced into retirement.
Eventually Rene Binder carried out his compulsory pit-stop on Lap 29, enabling Kevin Ceccon and Mitch Evans to rise through the order to 2nd and 3rd respectively. Despite a close battle for 2nd between Ceccon and Evans, the top three remained unchanged as Sam Bird glided across the line to secure his second victory of the season. British driver Adrian Quaife-Hobbs managed to secure the reverse grid pole for tomorrow’s sprint race, despite initially qualifying last on the grid. The MP Motorsport driver will start alongside Rene Binder on the reverse grid.
Results - 42 laps:
Pos Driver Team
1. Sam Bird Russian Time
2. Kevin Ceccon Trident + 22.0s
3. Mitch Evans Arden + 23.2s
4. Felipe Nasr Carlin + 23.4s
5. James Calado ART + 29.5s
6. Stefano Coletti Rapax + 1m00.5s
7. Rene Binder Lazarus + 1m02.4s
8. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs MP + 1m08.4s
9. Stephane Richelmi DAMS + 1m12.1s
10. Daniel de Jong MP + 1m22.4s
11. Tom Dillmann Russian Time + 1m29.3s
12. Jon Lancaster Hilmer + 1 lap
13. Simon Trummer Rapax + 1 lap
14. Jake Rosenzweig Addax + 1 lap
15. Sergio Canamasas Caterham + 1 lap
Retirements:
Daniel Abt ART 40 laps
Rio Haryanto Addax 26 laps
Johnny Cecotto Jr Arden 0 laps*
Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering 0 laps*
Jolyon Palmer Carlin 0 laps*
Julian Leal Racing Engineering 0 laps*
Robin Frijns Hilmer 0 laps*
Marcus Ericsson DAMS 0 laps*
Alexander Rossi Caterham 0 laps*
Nathanael Berthon Trident 0 laps*
Kevin Giovesi Lazarus 0 laps*
* Did not take restart
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
2013 GP3 Series Preview
When the GP3 Series reconvenes around Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya for the season opening Spanish Grand Prix, a brand-new era will dawn in the category’s history. When the opening practice session gets underway on the Friday afternoon, spectators around the world will get their first glimpse of the new GP3/13 machine.
This new machine, which no longer sounds like a supercharged lawnmower, offers the drivers with a 3.4 litre naturally aspirated 400HP engine as well as a completely redesigned chassis from Dallara. The 28-car field consists of a mixture of returning and new drivers all striving to work their way up to the pinnacle of motorsport, from numerous nations across the globe. This will see the likes of Aaro Vainio, Conor Daly and Tio Ellinas up against Series rookies Daniil Kvyat and Carlos Sainz jr., all of whom are more than capable of securing race victories and even the overall Championship.
After several seasons known as Lotus GP, French outfit ART Grand Prix has reverted back to their original name for the new season across all of the categories they compete in. This has also seen a switch in their colors from the unmistakable black and gold of Lotus to their original of white. Their driver line-up for the new season is a strong combination of experience and youth, consisting of returning American ace Conor Daly, Argentinean debutant Facu Regalia and reigning British Formula Three Champion Jack Harvey. This trio all know how to secure victories, and could well find themselves battling for Championship supremacy later in the year.
Conor Daly will return this season in GP3 with ART Grand Prix.
Despite securing the Drivers’ Championship with Mitch Evans last season, MW Arden once again failed to thwart ART Grand Prix in the Constructors’ Championship. However, this season the Banbury-based outfit has a real chance of once again taking the fight to ART Grand Prix with the youngest driver pairing on the grid. Returning GP3 driver Robert Visoiu will be joined by Red Bull Junior Team members Carlos Sainz jr. and Daniil Kvyat, creating a trio who will certainly threaten ART’s dominance.
Last season Carlos Sainz jr. competed in a variety of Formula 3 categories, including the FIA Formula Three EuroSeries and the British Formula Three Series for Carlin. After impressing greatly during testing in the GP3 Series, Russian sensation Daniil Kvyat enters the category as a potential Championship candidate alongside Carlos Sainz jr. and Robert Visoiu. The 19-year-old is the reigning Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS Champion for Koiranen Motorsport, and also finished a strong runner-up in the Formula Renault 2.0 Euro Championship for the same outfit.
British outfit Carlin is also sporting a strong line-up for the new season, despite a line-up consisting of three debutants in the category. Luis Sa Silva enters GP3 fresh from endeavors in numerous Formula 3 categories including the FIA Formula 3 EuroSeries and the British Formula Three Series with the Angola Racing Team. The 22-year-old Angolan will be joined by British rising star Nick Yelloly, who is a member of the BRDC Rising Stars and the MSA Team UK Elite Drivers. The 22-year-old has recently competed in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series for Comtec Racing, securing two victories and a further four podiums along the way.
The youngest driver within the Carlin outfit this season is Argentinean debutant Eric Lichtenstein, who makes the switch to the GP3 Series fellowing a successful season in the Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain. The 18-year-old from Buenos Aires finished 3rd in the Championship for Jamun Racing after securing 11 race victories at legendary circuits such as Brands Hatch, Nurburgring and Silverstone.
Samin Gomez is one of only two female drivers in GP3 this season.
Jenzer Motorsport sports a line-up consisting of one of only two female drivers on the grid for the new season, with Venezuelan driver Samin Gomez joining the Swiss duo of Patric Niederhauser and Alex Fontana. Gomez has previously tested in the GP3 Series for Jenzer Motorsport, and enters the Series after a strong display of driving last season in the Formula Abarth Euro Series and Formula Abarth Series with the Swiss outfit.
After securing two race victories last season, Patric Niederhauser will unquestionably be striving to add to his tally in his second full season in the GP3 Series with Jenzer Motorsport. The 21-year-old Swiss driver has already competed in the European Le Mans Series this year with Race Performance, securing a podium finish at Silverstone alongside fellow countryman Michel Frey. Niederhauser and Gomez will be joined at Jenzer Motorsport by Alex Fontana, who has previously competed in six GP3 races for the Swiss outfit. The 20-year-old, who is a member of the Lotus F1 Junior Team, also competed in the FIA Formula 2 Series last year and secured one race victory on his way to 7th in the Championship.
Tio Ellinas is already a Championship favourite heading into the new season.
Marussia-backed Manor Racing could well be the dark horse when the new season gets underway, with Cypriot Tio Ellinas unquestionably a man fully capable of mounting a Championship challenge at the front. The 21-year-old took victory during the final race of last season at Monza, and will be out to immediately begin adding to his tally when the Series reconvenes at Barcelona. The Cypriot will be joined by British debutants Ryan Cullen and Dino Zamparelli, the latter a member of the BRDC Rising Stars.
Irish team Status Grand Prix also features a strong line-up ahead of the new season, featuring reigning German Formula Three Champion Jimmy Eriksson. The 22-year-old Swedish ace will be making his debut in the Series, as will his team-mates of Adderly Fong and Josh Webster. Adderly Fong has already competed in various categories on his way to the GP3 Series, including the Auto GP and Firestone Indy Lights Series. Josh Webster is another member of the BRDC Rising Stars and MSA Team UK Elite Drivers, and is the youngest of the three Status Grand Prix drivers.
For the new season, Atech CRS Grand Prix has been rebranded as Bamboo Engineering, an outfit better known for its involvement in the World Touring Car Championship. The Silverstone-based outfit enters the Series with an exciting trio of drivers, including British returnee and former race winner Lewis Williamson. The 23-year-old is a former member of the Red Bull Junior Team, and has previously competed for MW Arden in the Series. He will be joined by fellow countryman Melville McKee and Carmen Jorda who is preparing to compete in her second full season in the Series.
For 2013 Atech CRS Grand Prix has been rebranded as Bamboo Engineering.
Melville McKee enters the GP3 Series fresh from a season in the Formula Renault 2.0 Euro Series with Interwetten.com Racing, which saw the Singapore-born driver secure one podium at the Nurburgring. Carmen Jordan endured a frustrating season last year with Ocean Racing Technology, which included numerous retirements. However, the Spanish driver will be aiming to raise her game this season with the rebranded Silverstone-based outfit.
Trident Racing boasts a highly experienced trio of drivers for the new season, with Italian drivers Giovanni Venturini and David Fumanelli joined by Sammarinese debutant Emanuele Zonzini. After a relatively competitive season last year with the Italian outfit, Venturini will be looking for his maiden victory in 2013 as will fellow countryman David Fumanelli. Despite racing for Championship contenders MW Arden last season, Fumanelli could only manage one podium finish at the European Grand Prix around the Valencia Street Circuit.
Both Giovanni Venturini and David Fumanelli will be joined at Trident Racing by 19-year-old debutant Emanuele Zonzini, who enters the GP3 Series after a season in the Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS, Formula Abarth Euro and Formula Abarth Series. The Sammarinese driver previously tested for both Lotus GP (now ART Grand Prix) and Trident Racing during the winter period, eventually being confirmed for the latter in January.
Koiranen GP is a new Finnish outfit in GP3 this season.
The final team on the 2013 grid is newcomers Koiranen GP, a Finnish outfit based in Barcelona. Prior to their involvement in the GP3 Series, the outfit competed in many other junior Formula’s including the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS Series. Headed by Marko Koiranen and formed back in 1997, Koiranen GP features an intriguing mixture of new and experienced talent for the new season. Former race winner Aaro Vainio is joined by fellow countryman Patrick Kujala and Estonian driver Kevin Korjus.
After a highly competitive season with Lotus GP last year which included one race victory and four podium finishes, 19-year-old Aaro Vainio will be looking to lead the new team in their debut season in the category. This will be the Finn’s third full season in the Series, making him one of the most experienced drivers on the grid. It is from one end of the experience spectrum to the other with Vainio’s fellow countryman Patrick Kujala, who at only 16 years of age enters the GP3 Series after competing in the Formula Renault 2.0 Euro and ALPS Series with Koiranen GP last season.
The Finnish duo of Aaro Vainio and Patrick Kujala will be joined by 20-year-old Estonian ace Kevin Korjus, who completes the switch from the Formula Renault 3.5 category after two seasons with Tech 1 Racing which included three victories and five podiums. Back in 2010, Kevin Korjus won the Formula Renault 2.0 Euro Championship with Koiranen GP and will unquestionably be striving to rekindle his competitive partnership with the outfit this season.
It’s undeniable that the GP3 Series has an extremely competitive grid for the fourth year of competition, which is expected to once again produce some sensational driving in the new GP3/13 machine. Along with the exciting 28-car grid, the category will also host it’s first standalone event and first non-European event this season. The former will be around the Valencia’s Circuit Ricardo Tormo, a popular testing venue for the world of Formula 1, GP2 and GP3. The first non-European race weekend for the GP3 Series will also host what will surely be a classic season finale, with a race around the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
The 2013 GP3 Series has all of the ingredients to be an absolute classic, with a new car, many new and returning drivers and a mouth-watering calendar which should provide for some of the most entertaining racing of the year. Already Formula 1 has two former GP3 drivers on the grid in the form of Valtteri Bottas and Esteban Gutierrez, and expect future Champions to be discovered as this season prepares to begin.
Picture(s) Copyright © Daniel Kalisz, Malcolm Griffiths & Alastair Staley/GP3 Series Media Service
Tio Ellinas Fastest On Day One Of GP3 Silverstone Test
Marussia Manor Racing’s Tio Ellinas ended the opening day of the GP3 Silverstone test fastest overall, with a time set during the afternoon period around the Northamptonshire circuit. The drivers were met with freezing weather conditions throughout the day, which saw the MW Arden of Carlos Sainz jr. post the fastest time in the morning period.
The day began in sunny yet bitterly cold weather conditions, with the majority of the 27-car field electing to immediately return to the warm confines of the pits after their initial installation laps. Eventually the track action increased throughout the morning period, with Alex Fontana and Nick Cassidy becoming the first two drivers to set times within the 01:47s. Gradually the times began to tumble, as Tio Ellinas and then David Fumanelli set the pace. However, the MW Arden of Carlos Sainz jr. finally went fastest as the session drew to a close with a 01:46.795.
Carlos Sainz jr. was fastest in the morning period, yet had his time deleted in the afternoon for being underweight.
After a two-hour lunch break, track action was resumed around the legendary Silverstone circuit. Facu Regalia caused an early red flag delay in his ART Grand Prix machine after stopping on the circuit, whereas his team-mate of Jack Harvey went fastest. Melville McKee rose to the top for Bamboo Engineering as the afternoon session entered its midway point, before Luis Sa Silva ran extensively wide at Becketts and glanced the retaining tyre barrier to cause another red flag delay.
As the afternoon session entered its closing stages, the wind began to pick up making driving conditions rather difficult. After causing an earlier red flag delay, Facu Regalia rose to the top as Adderly Fong ran wide at Chapel and caused yet another brief delay as his car was retrieved. Despite Regalia’s authority at the top, Tio Ellinas stormed ahead of the ART Grand Prix driver with only a minute remaining with a scintillating 01:46.211, a time 3.9 seconds faster than the previous GP3 record at Silverstone set last season by Mitch Evans in the old GP3/10 machine.
The second and final day of the GP3 Silverstone test will commence tomorrow at the Northamptonshire venue, with proceedings scheduled to get underway at 9am local time, with a one hour lunch break between 12pm and 1pm. This will be the final day of testing before the start of the new season next month at Barcelona.
Morning Session: Pos Driver Team Time Laps 1. Carlos Sainz Jnr MW Arden 1m46.795s 10 2. Tio Ellinas Manor 1m47.389s 10 3. David Fumanelli Trident 1m47.490s 11 4. Alex Fontana Jenzer 1m47.700s 24 5. Nick Cassidy Manor 1m47.850s 13 6. Daniil Kvyat MW Arden 1m47.904s 13 7. Nick Yelloly Carlin 1m47.942s 14 8. Giovanni Venturini Trident 1m48.047s 14 9. Aaro Vainio Koiranen 1m48.238s 7 10. Kevin Korjus Koiranen 1m48.242s 15 11. Patrick Kujala Koiranen 1m48.370s 13 12. Patric Niederhauser Jenzer 1m48.493s 15 13. Dino Zamparelli Manor 1m48.545s 12 14. Robert Visoiu MW Arden 1m48.796s 12 15. Melville McKee Bamboo 1m48.889s 13 16. Josh Webster Status 1m49.025s 15 17. Adderly Fong Status 1m49.484s 15 18. Eric Lichtenstein Carlin 1m49.546s 13 19. Felipe Guimaraes Bamboo 1m49.633s 12 20. Luis Sa Silva Carlin 1m49.644s 16 21. Emanuele Zonzini Trident 1m49.725s 15 22. Jimmy Eriksson Status 1m50.566s 12 23. Carmen Jorda Bamboo 1m52.684s 13 24. Samin Gomez Jenzer 1m52.887s 10 25. Conor Daly ART - 1 26. Jack Harvey ART - 1 27. Facu Regalia ART - 1
Afternoon Session* Pos Driver Team Time Laps 1. Tio Ellinas Manor 1m46.211s 29 2. Facu Regalia ART 1m46.247s 31 3. Nick Yelloly Carlin 1m46.540s 37 4. Jack Harvey ART 1m46.664s 23 5. Melville McKee Bamboo 1m46.719s 20 6. David Fumanelli Trident 1m46.774s 24 7. Robert Visoiu MW Arden 1m47.027s 32 8. Alex Fontana Jenzer 1m47.050s 28 9. Kevin Korjus Koiranen 1m47.143s 18 10. Conor Daly ART 1m47.177s 33 11. Daniil Kvyat MW Arden 1m47.345s 32 12. Dino Zamparelli Manor 1m47.391s 30 13. Jimmy Eriksson Status 1m47.402s 29 14. Josh Webster Status 1m47.474s 30 15. Patric Niederhauser Jenzer 1m47.698s 11 16. Felipe Guimaraes Bamboo 1m47.731s 25 17. Emanuele Zonzini Trident 1m47.924s 25 18. Adderly Fong Status 1m47.983s 18 19. Eric Lichtenstein Carlin 1m48.305s 34 20. Patrick Kujala Koiranen 1m48.322s 24 21. Nick Cassidy Manor 1m48.755s 23 22. Giovanni Venturini Trident 1m48.977s 9 23. Aaro Vainio Koiranen 1m49.146s 11 24. Luis Sa Silva Carlin 1m50.517s 15 25. Samin Gomez Jenzer 1m50.890s 15 26. Carmen Jorda Bamboo 1m51.457s 21 * Carlos Sainz's times deleted after car found to be underweight
Picture(s) Copyright © Malcolm Griffiths/GP3 Series Media Service
Conor Daly Fastest After Day One Of GP3 Barcelona Test
American driver Conor Daly has ended the opening day of the Barcelona GP3 test fastest overall for ART Grand Prix, after the 21-year-old posted a 01:34.578 during the afternoon period. The Kiwi of Nick Cassidy was fastest in the damp morning period, with a time several tenths slower than Daly’s eventual benchmark in the afternoon session.
The opening day of the Barcelona test began in damp weather conditions, after overnight rain fell over the Circuit de Catalunya. This prevented the field from taking to the track for the opening twenty minutes, before several drivers finally left the confines of the pits on slick tyres on the drying circuit. However, the inclement weather quickly returned in the form of light rain, providing a conundrum for the drivers as the conditions were too wet for dry tyres yet too dry for wet tyres.
Only a handful of drivers set timed laps in the opening half of the morning period, before Kevin Korjus rose to the top to make it a Koiranen GP one-two at the top. Eventually the sunshine broke through the cloud cover and once again began to dry the Circuit de Catalunya, allowing the field to switch back to the dry weather tyres. There were several red flag delays during the morning period, which included David Fumanelli who stopped out on track for Trident Racing.
As the morning session entered its closing stages, local hero Carlos Sainz jr. went fastest before Kevin Korjus returned to the top. However, Nick Cassidy eventually set the benchmark time for Marussia Manor Racing with a 01:34.924, a timed which remained unbeaten as the morning session drew to a conclusion. The Kiwi was followed at the top by Kevin Korjus and Carlos Sainz jr. in 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Nick Cassidy was fastest during the morning period.
After a two hour lunch break proceedings continued around Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, despite the dark clouds looming overhead and threatening further rainfall. The afternoon session was plagued by further red flag delays, including stoppages from the likes of Aaro Vainio who spun into the gravel and Josh Webster who’s GP3/13 machine suffered from a technical issue. The ART Grand Prix duo of Facu Regalia and Jack Harvey went fastest as the session continued, before the MW Arden of Daniil Kvyat rose to the top.
However, America’s Conor Daly finally asserted his authority over proceedings during the final thirty minutes of the day for ART Grand Prix, with a 01:34.578. This time remained unbeaten at the top, as Daly was followed home by Tio Ellinas in 2nd and Nick Cassidy in 3rd. The Barcelona GP3 test will continue tomorrow morning around the Circuit de Catalunya, with proceedings scheduled to get underway at 9am local time.
Morning session: Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. Nick Cassidy Manor 1m34.924s 21 2. Kevin Korjus Koiranen 1m35.196s + 0.272s 19 3. Carlos Sainz Jr MW Arden 1m35.261s + 0.337s 22 4. Alex Fontana Jenzer 1m35.350s + 0.426s 26 5. Tio Ellinas Manor 1m35.436s + 0.512s 19 6. Aaro Vainio Koiranen 1m35.661s + 0.737s 28 7. Lewis Williamson Bamboo 1m35.711s + 0.787s 25 8. Patric Niederhauser Jenzer 1m35.722s + 0.798s 19 9. Adderly Fong Status 1m35.820s + 0.896s 25 10. Facu Regalia ART 1m35.845s + 0.921s 14 11. Nick Yelloly Carlin 1m35.878s + 0.954s 16 12. Patrick Kujala Koiranen 1m35.910s + 0.986s 18 13. Conor Daly ART 1m35.934s + 1.010s 14 14. David Fumanelli Trident 1m36.045s + 1.121s 18 15. Jack Harvey ART 1m36.156s + 1.232s 12 16. Daniil Kvyat MW Arden 1m36.163s + 1.239s 14 17. Dino Zamparelli Manor 1m36.354s + 1.430s 23 18. Josh Webster Status 1m36.520s + 1.596s 23 19. Emanuele Zonzini Trident 1m36.622s + 1.698s 14 20. Giovanni Venturini Trident 1m36.783s + 1.859s 18 21. Robert Visoiu MW Arden 1m36.827s + 1.903s 20 22. Jimmy Eriksson Status 1m37.049s + 2.125s 17 23. Luis Sa Silva Carlin 1m37.175s + 2.251s 19 24. Eric Lichtenstein Carlin 1m37.747s + 2.823s 20 25. Samin Gomez Jenzer 1m37.877s + 2.953s 23 26. Ryan Cullen Bamboo 1m38.058s + 3.134s 17 27. Carmen Jorda Bamboo 1m39.522s + 4.598s 16 Afternoon session: Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. Conor Daly ART 1m34.578s 28 2. Tio Ellinas Manor 1m34.710s + 0.132s 27 3. Nick Cassidy Manor 1m34.715s + 0.137s 23 4. Alex Fontana Jenzer 1m34.826s + 0.248s 30 5. Nick Yelloly Carlin 1m34.900s + 0.322s 39 6. Facu Regalia ART 1m34.943s + 0.365s 27 7. David Fumanelli Trident 1m35.059s + 0.481s 32 8. Daniil Kvyat MW Arden 1m35.171s + 0.593s 32 9. Carlos Sainz Jr MW Arden 1m35.218s + 0.640s 36 10. Kevin Korjus Koiranen 1m35.313s + 0.735s 43 11. Jimmy Eriksson Status 1m35.337s + 0.759s 34 12. Jack Harvey ART 1m35.402s + 0.824s 28 13. Emanuele Zonzini Trident 1m35.448s + 0.870s 23 14. Patric Niederhauser Jenzer 1m35.593s + 1.015s 19 15. Lewis Williamson Bamboo 1m35.604s + 1.026s 30 16. Giovanni Venturini Trident 1m35.651s + 1.073s 33 17. Dino Zamparelli Manor 1m35.716s + 1.138s 32 18. Adderly Fong Status 1m35.759s + 1.181s 40 19. Robert Visoiu MW Arden 1m35.934s + 1.356s 33 20. Aaro Vainio Koiranen 1m35.967s + 1.389s 39 21. Luis Sa Silva Carlin 1m36.277s + 1.699s 34 22. Josh Webster Status 1m36.424s + 1.846s 10 23. Samin Gomez Jenzer 1m36.485s + 1.907s 36 24. Eric Lichtenstein Carlin 1m36.572s + 1.994s 44 25. Ryan Cullen Bamboo 1m37.909s + 3.331s 24 26. Patrick Kujala Koiranen 1m37.955s + 3.377s 12 27. Carmen Jorda Bamboo 1m38.683s + 4.105s 43
Picture(s) Copyright © Malcolm Griffiths/GP3 Series Media Service
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