Vergne stays top in Abu Dhabi

Red Bull's Jean-Eric Vergne set the pace for the second successive day at F1's Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi.

Red Bull youngster quickest again despite technical problems

Red Bull's Jean-Eric Vergne set the pace for the second successive day at Formula One's Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi. The Frenchman's quickest lap, one minute 40.188 seconds, was fractionally slower than his best effort on Tuesday. However, the day was not without its problems as Red Bull's RB7 experienced technical problems. "We had quite a disjointed morning due to some sensor issues which interrupted our run programme and this afternoon we lost more track time with a KERS issue," Red Bull head of race engineering Ian Morgan explained. "The issues are resolved now and at least we were able to complete some laps which provided useful data, hopefully tomorrow will be more productive." Vergne put in only 43 laps at the Yas Marina Circuit on Wednesday but finished 0.091s clear of Ferrari's Jules Bianchi, who managed 91 in all. Ferrari worked on new components linked to engine management and, like all the runners, evaluated Pirelli's tyres for next season. "It was another good day of testing," Bianchi said. "I was able to do a lot of kilometres and so we were able to complete all the planned programme, while I was also able to improve on my lap time from yesterday. "It's valuable work for the team, because we have accumulated a lot of data which will be important for the development of the 2012 car." McLaren's Gary Paffett was third quickest with a 1:41.756s, with Valtteri Bottas (Williams) and Johnny Cecotto Jr. (Force India) fourth and fifth fastest respectively - the latter having his first run in an F1 car. "Amazing is the only word to describe today. Everything was just incredible from the moment I left the pits to begin my first lap," Cecotto enthused. "These cars are so impressive: the power, the braking performance and the aerodynamic grip you get through the corners - it makes you say 'wow'. "And there are so many systems on the car, too, such as the KERS, which really impressed me. It was good to try out some of the 2012 tyres in the afternoon and the team seemed happy with the data and my feedback." The test concludes on Thursday. Times
01. Jean-Eric Vergne Red Bull 1:40.188 43 laps
02. Jules Bianchi Ferrari 1:40.279 +0.091 91
03. Gary Paffett McLaren 1:41.756 +1.568 52
04. Valtteri Bottas Williams 1:42.367 +2.179 68
05. Johnny Cecotto Jr Force India 1:42.873 +2.685 84
06. Esteban Gutierrez Sauber 1:43.637 +3.449 96
07. Sam Bird Mercedes GP 1:43.734 +3.546 94
08. Kevin Korjus Renault 1:43.776 +3.588 81
09. Luiz Razia Lotus 1:43.944 +3.756 89
10. Kevin Ceccon Toro Rosso 1:44.808 +4.620 97
11. Jan Charouz HRT 1:46.644 +6.456 56
12. Charles Pic Virgin 1:46.698 +6.510 61
13. Nathanael Berthon HRT 1:48.646s +8.458 9