NOVEMBER 7, 2011

Wickens doubles up in Abu Dhabi

World Series by Renault 3.5 champion Rob Wickens will drive for Marussia Virgin Racing in the first session of Friday practice in Abu Dhabi, replacing Jerome D'Ambrosio.

World Series by Renault 3.5 champion Rob Wickens will drive for Marussia Virgin Racing in the first session of Friday practice in Abu Dhabi, replacing Jerome D'Ambrosio.

The 22-year-old Canadian will then do the first day of the November 15-17 Abu Dhabi young driver test in a Lotus Renault.

"The opportunity to kick things up a gear in a free practice session is obviously the next big step in my career and I hope my feedback will have a positive benefit on the team's performance," Wickens said.

"I can't wait to drive the Lotus Renault as well," he added. "I feel like I'm ready for F1 and I think driving the car in Abu Dhabi will be kind of a true test. All year, my goal in World Series was to win the championship and to get this drive, so hopefully I can make the most of the opportunity and put in some competitive lap times."

Eighteen-year-old Estonian Kevin Korjus, the youngest driver to win a race in the Formula Renault 3.5 series, will do the second day of the test for Lotus-Renault GP, with LRGP third driver Jan Charouz in the R31 on the final day.

Force India, meanwhile, has confirmed that it will run 20-year-old British GP2 driver Max Chilton at the test, while HRT gives a chance to 23-year-old Spaniard Dani Clos, who can boast one win and two podiums in GP2 this year.