Davide Valsecchi fastest as GP2 gets underway in Bahrain

Amid the controversy of Formula 1 racing in Bahrain, the GP2 Series’ got their weekend underway as the support category for the Bahrain Grand Prix, completing their 30 minute practice session shortly after the first F1 practice session.

As the green light appeared, signaling the start of the proceedings, Johnny Cecotto jr. was the man who led a long line of queuing cars to the track, all eager to get started at the Sakhir International Circuit. The Trident of Julian Leal set the initial pace, with a 01:47.317, which was quickly beaten by the DAMS duo of Davide Valsecchi and Felipe Nasr respectively, with the Brazilian rookie setting a 01:42.713.

Simon Trummer’s weekend got off to a rather disappointing start, as he was seen coasting his Arden International car back to the pits. The Swiss driver, whose team-mate Luiz Razia won last time out in Malaysia, ended the session 16th overall.

Johnny Cecotto jr. returned to the top with a 01:42.294 as the session wore on, before the Rapax of Tom Dillmann came to halt on the exit of turn 1. Initially it was thought the Frenchman had spun, however it later emerged he too had suffered a mechanical failure of some sort and had coasted to a halt.

Davide Valsecchi, who suffered an almighty incident in Malaysia, then went fastest with a 01:41.417. The Italian driver is currently lying 2nd in the Drivers’ Championship, and is eager to close the gap to Luiz Razia, who is currently leading the Championship. Valsecchi remained fastest as the session came to a close, with Britain’s Max Chilton 2nd and Johnny Cecotto jr. 3rd.

The GP2 cars’ will return to the track after the second practice session for Formula 1, this time for the all-important qualifying session which will determine the grid for race 1 tomorrow afternoon.

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