Useful test for Bird
The Young Driver Test concluded in Abu Dhabi today with GP2 racer Sam Bird continuing his driving responsibilities for the MERCEDES GP PETRONAS team on the second and final day at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Following on from yesterday's programme, Sam and the team continued to focus on set-up development work during the morning to fine-tune the car before concentrating on performance comparisons in the afternoon session. Sam completed 82 laps and finished the day in third place on the timesheets with a best lap time of 1:39.220.
Sam Bird: "Today the team and I continued our set-up programme and had an extremely productive day in which we learnt a great deal about the car. I have thoroughly enjoyed myself and I would like to thank everyone at MERCEDES GP PETRONAS for making me feel so welcome, both here in Abu Dhabi and at the factory prior to the test, and for a memorable two days. I hope we will be able to work together again in the future."
Ross Brawn: "Sam has worked very well with his engineers and the team over the course of the two-day test, proving himself to be professional and disciplined in the car, with an excellent grasp of our procedures and our requirements from the test programme. I have been very impressed with his performance and it has been a very useful two days for the team and Sam. I am sure that this experience, both working with the team and driving the car, will prove very useful for the development of Sam's career."
