British racer Adrian Quaife-Hobbs heads into this weekend’s opening GP3 double-header rounds in Istanbul as a top contender for victory after a successful pre-season test which saw him head the time sheets last time out. The 20 year-old will contest the European Grands Prix support series with Marussia Manor Racing, and at the final test in Spain, was consistently up at the front, ending the final day fastest of the 30-car field.
During the winter months Adrian underwent all the official tests at Paul Ricard, Silverstone and Catalunya in preparation for the 16-race series, which kicks off in front of the Formula One fraternity on Saturday afternoon. With the series expected to be more closely-contested even than last year’s debut season, Adrian, who embarks on his second year in GP3 knows it will be a tough fight ahead but remains confident of a strong performance in 2011.
“Last time out in Spain we had three very good days concentrating on developing the car from what we learned at the previous test at Silverstone and Paul Ricard where we concentrated mainly on race simulation,” said Adrian. “In Barcelona we did a mixture of runs from one lap to race distance and we were quick, finishing day three first and by a good margin.
“I’ve been to Istanbul before obviously but never actually raced there as we had a driveshaft problem last year. However, we had a strong qualifying then so I know what to expect. We’re a month earlier this time round, and the conditions are cooler so the tyres will last longer which in qualifying could be a major factor.
“We’ve got to take confidence from the last test, to end up fastest is a good way to start the race season, so now I can’t wait for the first race this weekend in Istanbul. It’s time to put our testing progress into action in the races.”
Adrian will take to the track on Friday for two 30-minute free practice sessions, which take place at 08.45 and 16.50 prior to Saturday’s qualifying session at 09.45. The first 15-lap race kicks off later that day at 17.20 with race two on Sunday at 10.25.
The full 2011 GP3 Series calendar is: 7-8 May Istanbul, Turkey; 21-22 May Barcelona, Spain; 25-26 June Valencia, Spain; 9-10 July Silverstone, Great Britain; 23-24 July Nurburgring, Germany; 30-31 July Budapest, Hungary; 27-28 August Spa-Francorchamps; Belgium, 10-11 September Monza, Italy.
