After a surprising bout of rain across Abu Dhabi yesterday, the weather for the first day of official running is back to normal, with temperatures in excess of 20 degrees around the circuit.
Yesterday did feature some on-track action, as many of the runners completed a test session which ran until midnight!
Many teams are still setting up shop however, in what is a particularly relaxed paddock, that’s still covered with paraphernalia from the Grand Prix. It’s clear that the Formula One circus, has only just left town.
Michael Lyons, who’s sharing the #99 Kessel Ferrari with Vadim Gitlyn and Marco Zanuttini, was one of the few drivers at the circuit early doors, and it’s safe to say that he’s been impressed so far by the facility on his first trip to this part of the globe.
“It’s like a video game!” he told DSC. “I only managed a five laps last night, but my first impression is that it’s mega.
“Turns 1 and 2 as well as 14 and 15 are quite ballsy. It’s a great technical circuit, it will be interesting to see how the weekend pans out. The Wolf for example loses a lot of time in Sectors 1 and 2 but gains it all back in 3. It should be around GT3 pace.
“The test though, running to midnight was crazy. The track is well rubbered from the recent GP2 and GP3 test, so the grip level was surprisingly good. It was also crazy to see some Formula Renaults out there last night with a 2003 Ferrari F1 car in the mix.
“It made for some interesting sounds!”
The entry list may be down to 19 cars, the MRS Racing Nissan GT-R has been spotted in the paddock, but the team couldn’t find drivers to enter the race. But the consensus across the paddock is that it’s very much quality over quantity, with so many household GT names on the bill.
Words & Photos: Stephen Kilbey
