Abu Dhabi, UAE: In the opening F1 practice session of Abu Dhabi GP weekend, Mercedes’ George Russell topped the time sheet, as 10 rookie drivers got behind the wheel on Friday afternoon.
The British driver, set the pace with fastest lap of 1:26.072, and will be looking to bring a positive conclusion to the season this weekend in Abu Dhabi with his 8th place finish guaranteed for the year.
Red Bull Racing switched out one reigning champion for another as 2023’s Formula E Champion, Jake Dennis took part in the opening practice session, replacing three-time and current F1 World Champion, Max Verstappen. Dennis finished 16th on the timesheet in the 2023 championship-winning car.
Current F2 Championship leader Theo Pourchaire got a taste of F1 in the weekend’s opening practice session, replacing Alfa Romeo’s Guanyou Zhou before he returns to the support pits for this afternoon’s F2 qualifying session.
Aston Martin reserve driver, Felipe Drugovich stood in for two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso, managing to put in the second-fastest time just behind Russell, while Alpha Tauri’s Daniel Ricciardo placed third on the timesheet as the Australian looks to conclude the season in style.
The F1 grid will be back in action in Abu Dhabi for second practice at 5.00pm UAE time.
ABOUT ETHARA:
Ethara is shaping the future of entertainment, sport, culture, event services, and asset management regionally and internationally. Headquartered on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, and with offices in Dubai and Riyadh, the company employs over 300 professionals who offer an unrivalled wealth of expertise, experience, knowledge and skills. Ethara, meaning ‘thrill’ in Arabic, operates an impressive portfolio of assets, including Yas Marina Circuit, Etihad Park, Etihad Arena and the Yas Conference Centre. The company works with leading events companies, IP owners, and entertainment partners locally and internationally to deliver world-class, first-to-market events and experiences.
ABOUT YAS MARINA CIRCUIT:
Yas Marina Circuit is the United Arab Emirates’ most exciting sporting and entertainment multi-purpose venue. Located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the circuit is home to the annual FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX and much more. In addition to the extensive year-round program of professional and grassroots motorsport events and experiences including Drag and Yas Track Nights, the circuit has emerged as a thriving hub for entertainment and community events in the UAE.
Yas Marina Circuit is also a champion of sustainability in motorsports, receiving the Three-Star Environmental Certification from the FIA, the governing body’s highest recognition of sustainability. The award is an acknowledgement of the circuit’s long-standing commitment to environmental management with the objective of standing with Formula One in becoming Net-Zero Carbon by 2030.
As the region’s most technologically advanced facility, the circuit is also a leading MICE venue, regularly hosting a diverse range of corporate meetings, conferences, and events. Whether you want to experience the thrill of karting at our Kartzone, driving an Aston Martin GT4 at over 200km/hour on an F1 circuit, work towards your racing license at the Yas Racing School, get fit at TrainYas, participate in one of our many sporting events, or simply catch up with friends at Yas Central, Yas Marina Circuit truly is The Meeting Place of Champions.
