Friday at the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is practice day. The Formula One drivers and teams will be on track for three hours, spread over two sessions, as they work on nailing their set up for the weekend ahead, bBut there is also practice and qualifying sessions for the two support series, Formula 2 and GP3, so there is plenty to watch for.
Here is a rundown of the main things to watch for.
Ferrari’s chance
Scuderia Ferrari have never won in Abu Dhabi in nine previous visits, but this should be the Italian team’s best chance to change that statistic. The long straights that make up sector two of the track should suit the strong horsepower of the Ferrari power unit and Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen should be right up there at the top of the timesheets.
The two 90-minute practice sessions should give an early indication of Ferrari’s pace. Both Sebastian Vettel (2009, 2010 and 2013) and Kimi Raikkonen (2012) have won in Abu Dhabi in the past, but with different teams. Ferrari were off the pace in Brazil, compared to Mercedes and Red Bull, but they were quicker in both the United States and Mexico so this does look like a good chance for Italian delight at the track that is the home of Ferrari World.
Robert Kubica back on track in Abu Dhabi
Thursday was a special day for Robert Kubica as it was confirmed he will be returning to the F1 grid in 2019 with Williams, seven years after he almost lost part of his right arm in a horrific rally crash in Italy.
UAE race fans will get to see the Pole in action on Friday. In his current role as reserve driver he will take part in opening practice at 1pm at Yas Marina Circuit.
Kubica jokingly warned journalists on Thursday not to expect him to be charging around the track on Friday. He will be looking to help set up the Williams for race drivers Lance Stroll and Sergey Sirotkin for Sunday’s 55-lap race, as well as beginning his own development ahead of the 2019 season.
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