Alessio Picariello tops

Dubai - Championship leader Pietro Fittipaldi came close in FP2 but missed out by 0.062secs on his final lap. His championship rivals Tatiana Calderon and Nikita Troitckii finished in third & fourth places respectively with Giuliano Alesi in an impressive fifth, on his first ever outing in the MRF F2000.

Published: Thu 17 Dec 2015, 11:00 PM

Last updated: Fri 18 Dec 2015, 1:54 PM

Alessio Picariello continued his domination of the season by topping the time sheets in both the free practice sessions in Round 3 of the MRF Challenge, the FIA sanctioned single-seater series, at the Dubai Autodrome on Thursday.
Championship leader Pietro Fittipaldi came close in FP2 but missed out by 0.062secs on his final lap. His championship rivals Tatiana Calderon and Nikita Troitckii finished in third & fourth places respectively with Giuliano Alesi in an impressive fifth, on his first ever outing in the MRF F2000.
India's first F1 driver and MRF brand ambassador Narain Karthikeyan was also present to witness all the action at the Dubai Autodrome.
"The goal of this series is to provide a level playing field for young drivers to race and learn, in a cost effective but professional environment. Close and exciting racing is always on the cards in this single make series and we can expect four exciting races this weekend in Dubai," said Narain.
Narain was not alone as he was joined by legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey, who was busy watching his son Harrison in action, and former F1 race winner Jean Alesi. Jean Alesi was helping his son who is participating this weekend. His input seems to have paid off with his son Giuliano going fifth fastest in both sessions.
The Dubai Autodrome is a 5.39km circuit with a combination of high-speed straights and technical corners. There will be four races this weekend with two races on Friday and two on Saturday.
Another highlight of the weekend is the NGK 3 Hours endurance race which has attracted an impressive line-up of international teams and drivers with great marques such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Honda and BMW lining up on the multi-class grid.
Also on the bill are races for Formula Gulf 1000 featuring young drivers stepping from karting to single seaters, along with the Radical Middle East Cup where drivers will slug it out for top honours in Le Mans style prototypes, in mini-enduro races on both days.
Entry to Dubai Autodrome on Friday and Saturday is free for spectators.