Mechanical work and aero-mapping for Red Bull

With just a short respite after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing was back at the Yas Marina Circuit today for the 2012 Young Driver Test. Red Bull Junior driver António Félix da Costa was at the wheel of the RB8 for the first day of this three-day test.

Running during daylight, rather than the day/night schedule of the Grand Prix, the team split the allotted time between mechanical work in the morning and aero-mapping during the afternoon. The full programme was completed, with Antonio driving 79 laps of the Yas Marina Circuit.

António Félix da Costa said: “This was my first time driving an RB8 at a proper test, with proper tyres on a real circuit, and… wow! I was perhaps a little anxious beforehand, but ultimately the pedals and the steering wheel are in the usual places.

“There’s a lot to learn, particularly with the buttons on the steering wheel, and it took one or two runs to get completely comfortable with all of that – but I think we had a good day.”

Antonio will be back in the car tomorrow before handing over on Thursday to Formula Renault 3.5 series winner Robin Frijns.