Toro Rosso drivers enjoyed the new Abu Dhabi circuit on first outings
For the Scuderia Toro Rosso the Friday practice sessions were primarily for learning the new circuit and figuring out the car's handling, but apart from the that the day went rather well for the rookies Sebastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari. The team will now prepare to improve their pace on Saturday as to qualify well.
Sebastien Buemi
(STR4-03)
“This new circuit has some interesting features which we are not used to, like the
tunnel and it’s a nice feeling to start running in daylight and going into the dark.
This morning was a bit difficult, but we improved the car quite a lot in the
afternoon, so I am not unhappy. You have to consider that there is a huge
difference in the track between the first session and the second, as it is a lot
quicker in the evening when it’s cooler. It was a bit difficult to get the tyres
working properly, especially the Option, but apart from that, the car is not too
bad. Now we have to see what we can do for tomorrow, when it will be important
to qualify well.”
First Practice Session
Best lap 1.44.687, pos. 6th, 32 laps
Second Practice Session
Best lap 1.41.683, pos. 6th, 37 laps
Jaime Alguersuari
(STR4-01)
“I have enjoyed driving this new circuit. It has nothing particularly tricky about it
and it reminds me in parts of Valencia. This morning I was learning the track and
I also had to get used to an F1 car again, as last weekend, I was racing in the
World Series. The first session went pretty well and so did the afternoon, apart
from a small problem on the car towards the end. Degradation does not seem to
be an issue with the tyres and they are lasting well. In FP2 the track of course
had more grip and was generally faster, helped by the fact it was cooler in the
dark.”
First Practice Session
Best lap 1.44.955, pos. 9th, 33 laps
Second Practice Session
Best lap 1.43.022, pos. 19th, 39 laps
