Ayumu Iwasa will do the Free Practice 1 session on behalf of RB F1 in Abu Dhabi. The Japanese driver will return to Formula 1 after the end of his Super Formula season.
Yuki Tsunoda is a little optimistic about the chances of getting a better place in the constructors' championship.
“The weekend in Qatar was difficult and in the days that followed the team struggled to find out why our performance dropped after the first few laps on Sunday, although I had managed to recover. hoist into the points” Tsunoda said.
“I think at least part of that drop was circuit-related, and so I'm more optimistic about Abu Dhabi, a circuit where I qualified sixth and finished eighth last year. Our situation at championship is more complicated now, but I will do everything possible.”
Liam Lawson has experience in Abu Dhabi, and he hopes to finish his six test races in style before knowing what awaits him: “It's the last race of the season, which is weird to say because it feels like it's just started. I'm looking forward to racing in Abu Dhabi, it's a circuit I I've already raced in F2.”
“I made my F1 debut in 2021 during the young driver test, so I'm looking forward to getting back on track. It's a fun circuit to drive, especially with the new layout, and the team has had success here in the past, so I'm optimistic I've had two tough races, so I hope to finish the season strong.”
Laurent Mekies, the team director, draws an initial assessment of this season: “It's only a short journey from Qatar to Abu Dhabi, but we've come a long way in every sense of the word since the start of this season. By that I mean we've evolved considerably as a as a team, because it's not just our name that was new this year.”
“Inevitably there have been ups and downs, we have achieved some of our goals and missed others. A team can only be judged against the competition and we have battled all year against very strong opponents in midfield.”
“It is true that since last Sunday at Losail our championship aspirations have taken a hit, but that will not affect the way we approach this final race on a circuit which should suit our car better.”
“With the usual three hours of free testing this weekend, we will use some of that time to evaluate some solutions for 2025, which will continue in the test session here next Tuesday.”
“We will also allow Honda and Red Bull junior driver Ayumu Iwasa to complete another free practice session in our car, following his performance at Suzuka earlier in the year.”
“In Yas Marina, he will replace his compatriot Yuki. We want to finish the season in style and everyone in the team will invest every last drop of energy to achieve this!”
