McLaren's Vandoorne breaks lap record on GP2 debut

Belgian racer Stoffel Vandoorne has today debuted in a GP2 test as part of his development within McLaren's Young Driver Programme. Yet again he impressed his team by dominating the Abu Dhabi test on his first day in a GP2 car.

More than four tenths clear of his closest rival in Thursday morning’s session, Stoffel proceeded to destroy Alexander Rossi’s 1m48.931s pole time to set a new GP2 standard of 1m48.657s.

Speaking of Stoffel’s achievement, McLaren sporting director Sam Michael added:

"Considering that he has never driven a GP2 car prior to this test in Abu Dhabi, Stoffel has done an outstanding job this week, with the help of the top level engineers at ART and DAMS.

"His focus has been firmly on understanding the operating characteristics of the Pirelli tyres operate, particularly how they compare to the Michelins he’s raced on all season in the Renault World Series.

"His natural speed and engineering discipline continues to impress me, and everyone here at McLaren."

Vandoorne raced in Formula Renault 3.5 this season where he ended runner-up to his fellow McLaren Young Driver Kevin Magnussen.