da Costa tops Abu Dhabi Young Drivers test Day 2

Antonio Felix da Costa set the pace in the Red Bull RB8 on the second day of the Young Driver Formula One test in Abu Dhabi.

The team continued to prepare for the last two races, and gave its Portuguese protégé some mileage as he focused on aero work, trying new parts.

“It's been another good day," he said. “Again, we did a lot of mileage, which is good for me and for the team. On a day like this, when the conditions are perfect for testing, and with two Grands Prix to go, I think the team needs to make the most of it, and today I think we did that.

“It's been a great experience and I'd like to thank the whole team for their help and I hope I have been able to help them as well," he added. “I'll focus now on the future, and I think most sensibly that probably means a full season in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series next year."

Oliver Turvey was second fastest for McLaren, as the team again split the workload between two drivers, Turvey and Gary Paffett.

Third spot went to the highly rated Mercedes DTM driver and Macau F3 winner Edoardo Mortara, who made his F1 test debut for Lotus.

“I enjoyed every lap," Mortara said. “At the same time, it was pretty tough; I've come from a car which is a lot slower, and the first laps were certainly an eye opener. I improved gradually over the day, and I think my progression was pretty good.

“Every time I was on track, I got a little bit better. I completed the test program scheduled by the team, so it's satisfying to be able to contribute to their season. It's been one of the best days of my life."

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