Esteban Gutierrez

Le Castellet, France – Mexican driver Esteban Manuel Gutierrez Gutierrez had a positive first testing day in the GP2 car with British team Arden International Motorsport, at the track of Paul Ricard.

This is only the second time for Esteban at the wheel of a GP2 car – his first being with French team ART Grand Prix – and this time he was able to experience a different working style with the British team.

In the morning session, Esteban was among the fastest drivers and finished 10th fastest with 39 laps and a best lap time of 1:13.439, on used tires. In the afternoon, he had done 27 laps when the team decided to go for a fresh set of tires, but the session was red flagged after just one lap on the new tires and the training ended for the day. However, Esteban finished 11th and improved his times with a fastest lap time of 1:13.262. There are 24 drivers - rookies as well as experts - participating in this training.

The young driver - 18 years old – will be back in action on Thursday for the last training day in a GP2 car, which is part of the intense preparation he is undergoing prior to his Formula One test that will take place in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, next December 1-3.

Esteban was happy with his physical performance as well as his driving, and feels very motivated for the remaining of his preparation.

“Today was very interesting because we lived the experience with a different team and got to know another working style. We are very happy with our speed, considering this is only the second test for us," he said.

“I think I am acquiring a lot of experience and I for that reason I try to get the most out of this opportunities, which are not easy to get. This is my first time on this track, and I hope what we experienced today will help us improve even more for the second day of training next Thursday. I will give my best to enjoy it and to represent my country Mexico in the best way possible”, he remarked.

Esteban thanks his sponsors Multigama, DeAcero, Telmex, Alpinestars, and Bell for all their support during 2009.