Esteban Gutierrez

Portimao, Portugal - Showing a good handle of the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, Mexican driver Esteban Manuel Gutierrez Gutierrez was eighth fastest in the practice session of the British Formula 3 International.

This weekend, Esteban and French team ART Grand Prix will take part in two races of this series as a preparation for the final stage of the Formula 3 Euroseries 2009 season.

The young Mexican talent, 18, recorded a best lap time of 1:39.147, to be eighth fastest.

There were two 1.5 hour practice sessions today, with dry track and sunny skies. Both sessions had to be red flagged momentarily.

A total of 30 drivers will race this weekend, divided into three categories, which are National, International, and Invitation, which is the one where Gutierrez is going to participate.

"It was a very productive practice day today, although several tire punctures made us lost some time in both sessions.

“We had good speed and were very consistent, and we think we have a good chance for a good qualifying result tomorrow. I’ve got to know the car better under different circumstances and this helps me have better expectations”, said Gutierrez.

"I hope our qualifying sessions go well tomorrow so we can get a good starting position. With faith in God things will go well tomorrow. I also want to congratulate Sergio Perez for having qualified fourth for his race in Monza; I hope this will be a good weekend for the Mexican drivers”, remarked Esteban.

Qualifying for Sunday’s 30 minute races will take place tomorrow.

Qualifying and race times can be seen live in Esteban’s website at:

www.estebangtz.com

Esteban thanks his sponsors Multigama, DeAcero, Telmex, Alpinestars, and Bell for supporting him on this stage of his career.

Time Schedule:
Autodromo Internacional do Algarve
Portimao, Portugal

Saturday, September 12th , 2009
09.00 – 10.00 FIA GT3 European Championship Free Practice 1 60’
10.10 – 10.50 GT4 European Cup Free Practice 1 40’
11.00 – 11.30 Cooper Tires British Formula 3 Int. Series Qualifying Practice 1 30’
11.40 – 12.40 FIA GT3 European Championship Free Practice 2 60’
14.45 – 15.25 GT4 European Cup Free Practice 2 40’
15.35 – 16.05 Cooper Tires British Formula 3 Int. Series Qualifying Practice 2 30’
16.15 – 17.05 FIA GT3 European Championship Qualifying Practice 20’/10’/20’
17.15 – 17.55 GT4 European Cup Qualifying Practice 15’/10’/15’

Sunday, September 13th , 2009
09.30 – 10.00 Cooper Tires British Formula 3 Int. Series Race 1 30’
10.30 – 11.30 FIA GT3 European Championship Race 1 60’
12.00 – 12.45 GT4 European Cup Race 1 45’
14.00 – 14.30 Cooper Tires British Formula 3 Int. Series Race 2 30’
15.00– 16.00 FIA GT3 European Championship Race 2 60’
16.30 – 17.15 GT4 European Cup Race 2 45’