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Formula 1
F1: Lotus Renault Impressed With Wickens
Canadian Robert Wickens was third quickest driving for Lotus Renault in day one of the Young Driver Test...
Robert Wickens (Right) confers with Lotus Renault engineering head Alan Permane (Left) during day one of the Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi. (Photo: LAT Photographic)
Robert Wickens impressed the Lotus Renault team when he drove the R31 in Abu Dhabi Tuesday.
The Canadian finished the day third in the times, behind Red Bull’s Jean-Eric Vergne and Ferrari’s Jules Bianchi, after running 78 laps.
The test was a prize for winning the Renault 3.5 title, and Wickens will also drive for Marussia Virgin this week.
LRGP’s engineering head Alan Permane said: “Robert drove and worked well with the engineers and he gave us good feedback. It’s been a productive day. We had a little bit of a slow start because we had a slight problem with the front suspension, but we quickly got over that and continued with the rest of the program. The day has run pretty smoothly.
“It was more about mileage for our new parts rather than performance, so we are looking at the reliability and collecting some data on a few changes.”
“I’m pleased with what we achieved today,” said Wickens. “I learned so much with everything, and Lotus Renault GP did an amazing job. The car really feels fantastic to drive. It has been fun and I can’t thank Lotus Renault GP enough for the opportunity they gave me to drive for the team.
“I’m glad I was able to drive in a car that put me towards the top of the grid. I was hoping to be in the top three today and to be third is really good. Obviously you can always find ways to improve but I’m sure that will come. I was surprised how different the Pirelli Prototype 2012 was compared to the normal 2011 tire – I did a long run at the end with heavy fuel and I was able to do a very consistent 20 lap run towards the end of the day on the soft tire, which is a good sign for next year I think.
“It’s the first time I’ve been able to do consistent, long runs and to really start understanding the tires. I trained very hard all season, prepared for this young drivers test and I’m very proud of myself. I just wish I could stay a couple more days.”
Adam Cooper notched up his 26th season as a racing journalist in 2010. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.
The Canadian finished the day third in the times, behind Red Bull’s Jean-Eric Vergne and Ferrari’s Jules Bianchi, after running 78 laps.
The test was a prize for winning the Renault 3.5 title, and Wickens will also drive for Marussia Virgin this week.
LRGP’s engineering head Alan Permane said: “Robert drove and worked well with the engineers and he gave us good feedback. It’s been a productive day. We had a little bit of a slow start because we had a slight problem with the front suspension, but we quickly got over that and continued with the rest of the program. The day has run pretty smoothly.
“It was more about mileage for our new parts rather than performance, so we are looking at the reliability and collecting some data on a few changes.”
“I’m pleased with what we achieved today,” said Wickens. “I learned so much with everything, and Lotus Renault GP did an amazing job. The car really feels fantastic to drive. It has been fun and I can’t thank Lotus Renault GP enough for the opportunity they gave me to drive for the team.
“I’m glad I was able to drive in a car that put me towards the top of the grid. I was hoping to be in the top three today and to be third is really good. Obviously you can always find ways to improve but I’m sure that will come. I was surprised how different the Pirelli Prototype 2012 was compared to the normal 2011 tire – I did a long run at the end with heavy fuel and I was able to do a very consistent 20 lap run towards the end of the day on the soft tire, which is a good sign for next year I think.
“It’s the first time I’ve been able to do consistent, long runs and to really start understanding the tires. I trained very hard all season, prepared for this young drivers test and I’m very proud of myself. I just wish I could stay a couple more days.”
Adam Cooper notched up his 26th season as a racing journalist in 2010. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.
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