Manor development driver Jordan King says he “can’t wait” to secure more Formula One mileage after completing his maiden run at this week’s one-day Pirelly tyre test in Abu Dhabi.
The Briton shared the wheel of the MR03B with fellow GP2 front runner Rio Haryanto, taking over from the Indonesian in the afternoon. King ended up racking up 59 laps to clock a personal best of 1:49.661, less than one tenth behind Haryanto, who had already sampled F1 machinery.
“My first time at the wheel of an F1 car has been an incredible experience and I can’t thank Manor enough for providing me with this opportunity,” said King.
“The Pirelli tyre test had a very specific focus and I was determined to make the most of this chance to show my development capability as well as my potential for the future.
“We had a trouble-free day, so I could really get stuck into the plan, and this enabled me to build my confidence as the afternoon progressed.
“I’m pleased with my lap time considering all the elements of the programme. I can’t wait to do it again sometime. Soon, I hope!”
The son of former Sainsbury's chief executive Justin King, Jordan enjoyed a steady GP2 campaign alongside fellow Manor protégé Alexander Rossi at Racing Engineering. The 21-year-old secured 10 points-paying finishes, including a podium at Spa-Francorchamps to claim 12th in the final standings.
King features amongst the slew of candidates running for the two Manor seats, with the list also including this year’s drivers Will Stevens, Roberto Merhi, and Rossi, but also Haryanto and Mercedes reserve Pascal Wehrlein.
The Yas Marina tyre test brought an end to Manor’s engine partnership Ferrari with the small British outfit switching to Mercedes power in 2016.
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