Abu Dhabi – Day 1: Magnussen finishes on top

Kevin Magnussen, who raced this season in Formula Renault 3.5 and is part of McLaren’s young driver development program, was the fastest today on the Yas Marina circuit for the first day of young driver testing.

The Danish driver only drove this morning before handing his McLaren over to Gary Paffett, who set the 3rd fastest time. Between the two men, we find Antonio Felix da Costa at the wheel of the Red Bull RB8. The Portuguese driver was the most diligent on track, covering no fewer than 79 laps, which is more than a Grand Prix on this circuit; the one contested on Sunday included 55 laps.

On the McLaren side, Kevin Magnussen mainly focused on getting familiar with the MP4-27 and adjusting it to his preference, while Gary Paffett conducted aerodynamic and suspension tests, either in preparation for the last two races of the year or for 2013.

Antonio Felix da Costa, driving the Red Bull, carried out mechanical and aerodynamic tests. Robin Frijns at Sauber conducted tire and aerodynamic tests. Nicolas Prost, driving the Lotus, Luiz Razia, driving the Toro Rosso, and Giedo Van der Garde, driving the Caterham, all completed aerodynamic programs.

Tomorrow, at Lotus, Nicolas Prost will give up his seat to Edoardo Mortara, Robin Frijns will hand over the Sauber cockpit to Esteban Gutierrez, and Luiz Razia will do the same with his Toro Rosso seat to Johnny Cecotto Jr. At Red Bull, Antonio Felix da Costa will continue for a second consecutive day, as will Giedo Van der Garde at Caterham, while at McLaren, Gary Paffett will drive the MP4-27 again in the morning before handing it over to Oliver Turvey in the afternoon.

Standings of the first day of young drivers testing 2012 in Abu Dhabi: