Ricciardo in the lead this morning in Abu Dhabi

Ahead last Sunday during the last Grand Prix of the season, Red Bull Racing is still at the top of the timesheet this morning during the Rookie Tests. During these tests the Austrian team decided, as it did last year in Jerez, to entrust the world champion RB6 to Daniel Ricciardo. The Australian, Formula vice-champion Renault 3.5 Series this season, was the fastest in the tests reserved for young drivers in December 2009, and intends to show once again what it is capable of this week.

This morning, the man who has defended the colors of Tech 1 Racing this season, set the best time, completing a lap of the Yas Marina circuit in 1:40:813. To compare with the 1?39??394 made by Sebastian Vettel in qualifying last Saturday. The Red Bull reserve was also one of the most diligent on the track, with 46 laps completed.

In second place, we find Paul di Resta. Aboard a Force India, the Scot finished almost two seconds behind. Still in the running for the title DTM, the cousin of the Franchitti brothers took the wheel of the VJM03 several times during free practice this season.

In third position is the McLaren entrusted to Oliver Turvey, sixth in GP2 this year. The Briton is followed by ART Grand Prix GP2 driver Sam Bird, at the wheel of the Mercedes W01.

By setting a time of 1:43:392 aboard a Toro Rosso, Jean-Eric Vergne set the fifth fastest time of the morning. The champion F3 British driver, who also contested the last rounds of the Formula Renault 3.5 Series at Tech 1 Racing, is ahead of the Sauber driven by GP3 Series champion Esteban Gutierrez, and the Renault of Mikhail Aleshin, winner of the 2010 edition of the Formula Renault 3.5 Series with Carlin.

On board the Ferrari F10, Jules Bianchi (1?43??894), ranks eighth. Third in GP2, the Habs are just ahead of Dean Stoneman, who has been entrusted with the wheel of the Williams FW32 following its title gleaned in F2.

Finally, Antonio Felix da Costa (Force India), GP2 champion Pastor Maldonado (HRT), Rodolfo Gonzalez (Lotus), and Rio Haryanto (Virgin) bring up the rear.

This afternoon, the young pilots will again have 3 hours to perfect their knowledge of a car of Formula 1. The time being not the ultimate objective of these driving sessions, and not knowing in what configuration the different teams work, the times achieved are not necessarily very significant.