Rookie Tests: Ricciardo impresses

The fact that Daniel Ricciardo signing the best time on the first day of the “young driver” tests in Abu Dhabi is not a surprise in itself. There Red Bull RB6 is world champion, and we know the Australian is full of talent. But that the vice-champion Formula Renault 3.5 Series approaches to within three tenths of the pole achieved by Sébastian Hag last weekend must certainly have surprised more than one observer.

Indeed, already holding the best time of the morning, Daniel Ricciardo improved further this afternoon, finishing with an impressive 1, compared to 39 for Vettel last Saturday. If it is difficult to compare times achieved in different conditions, it says a lot about the qualities of the Austrian team's reserve.

Behind an untouchable Ricciardo, we find Oliver Turvey at 1??1. The Briton, who defended the colors of iSport in GP2 this year, has apparently taken charge of the McLaren MP4-25. He is ahead of a surprising Antonio Felix da Costa. Seventh in F3 Euro Series, the Portuguese impressed at the wheel of a Force India VJM03.

First winner of the GP3 Series, Esteban Gutierrez set the fourth fastest time of the day at the wheel of a Sauber. The Mexican proves that he knows how to be fast, he who will defend the colors of Lotus ART in GP2 next year, and who will be the reserve of the Swiss team in F1.

Sixth of the day with a time of 1:42:073: Mikhail Aleshin. The Russian, who won his place following his victory in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series following a sumptuous duel with a certain Daniel Ricciardo, showed himself at ease behind the wheel of the Renault R30. The French team in any case seems happy with the performances of the 23-year-old driver, particularly his ability to adapt to procedures. Note that Aleshin was only able to complete 58 laps, his car suffering a hydraulic leak around 15 p.m. (local time).

The Russian is ahead of Dean Stonemean, aboard a Williams, and precedes Jean-Eric Vergne. The Frenchman completed a lap of the Yas Marina in 1:42:489 at the wheel of his Toro Rosso STR5, performing more than 80 laps.

Followed by Paul di Resta (Force India) who did not take the wheel this afternoon and Sam Bird (Mercedes W01), Jerome d'Ambrosio (Virgin), and Pastor Maldonado (HRT).

For his first day behind the wheel of the Ferrari F10, Jules Bianchi finished 12th, with a best lap of 1:43:894.

Rodolfo Gonzalez (Lotus) and Rio Haryanto (Virgin) bring up the rear.