Korjus sets the early pace in Valencia free practice

Rookie Korjus took first blood in Valencia by recording the best lap in Free Practice which was two tenths faster than Carlin’s Nick Yelloly and Jenzer Motorsport’s Patric Niederhauser. Korjus’ laptime was 4.3s quicker than the fastest time set at the circuit in 2012 with the previous generation car.

Glorious weather set the scene for Free Practice for Round 2 of the GP3 season in Valencia, Spain. Circuit Ricardo Tormo hosts this weekend’s standalone event which sees a different timetable with the event run over two days with both Race 1 and Race 2 taking place on Sunday.

The full grid of 27 drivers made their way onto the track for their installation laps under the intense heat with some teams focusing on aerodynamic tests. ART Grand Prix’s Conor Daly set the initial pace, the first driver to lap in the 1m22s. MW Arden’s Daniil Kvyat and Marussia Manor Racing’s Tio Ellinas both went quicker, the Russian driver a mere five thousandths faster than the Cypriot to head the standings.

At the midway point, Estonian Korjus posted a 1:22.058 to go top with Yelloly and Niederhauser a few tenths off. The drivers began to find their limits in preparation for the upcoming qualifying session with small off-track moments for Daly, Ellinas, Korjus and Alex Fontana (Jenzer Motorsport).

Carlin’s Eric Lichtenstein stopped on circuit as the chequered flag came out. Korjus ended the session fastest, ahead of Yelloly, Niederhauser, Carlos Sainz (MW Arden), Lewis Williamson (Bamboo Engineering), Aaro Vainio (Koiranen GP), Ellinas, Kvyat, Facu Regalia (ART Grand Prix) and Daly.

Qualifying takes places later today at 14.30 CET.

GP3