Picariello continued his fine run in the Indian series since joining in Bahrain, going 0.556s clear of championship leader Pietro Fittipaldi.

Initially, the drivers took their time to familiarise themselves with the track, it being the first time for them racing at Dubai Autodrome.

After the initial runs, the drivers started to get their quick laps in but no one managed to dethrone the Belgian from the top slot in the 45-minute session.

Russian Nikita Troitskiy ended third while Tatiana Calderon was fourth and newcomer Giuliano Alesi, on pace straightaway, rounding the top five.

Young British driver Max Fewtrell was sixth and the last of the driver to come within a second of the leader. Indian Tarun Reddy finished seventh with Sean Walkinshaw was eighth.

The top 10 was covered by Australian Dylan Young at ninth and Harrison Newey 10th. Only driver to not complete a single lap was Nerses Isaakyan.