EU3000: Sam Bird Estoril test summary

BIRD TOPS TIME TABLES AT ESTORIL

Sam Bird has recorded the fastest time over the two day F3 Euroseries test at Estoril circuit, Portugal, a track he has never visited before. Having made the switch from the British F3 series, Bird has had a steep learning curve over the last week, testing a new car, on new tracks, with his new team, Manor Motorsport. "I knew it would be tough" said Sam after the first day "but I'm not concerned with times too much today, I am learning the car and the different tyres and trying to get the best set up with my engineer."

On the second day of testing, Bird had obviously got to grips with the car, putting in a best time of 1.32.035, beating season favourite Nico Hulkenberg into second place.

"Obviously it's just testing and we're all trying out different settings, brakes, using both new and old tyres" Sam commented, "but I'm naturally thrilled to have come out on top over the two days -- it certainly gives me a great deal of confidence going into the new season, and I'm looking forward to racing again after the long winter break."

Sam's first races are at Hockenheim, Germany on April 12/13.

-credit: sambird.com