Abu Dhabi: Arden qualifying report

ARDEN ENDURES TOUGH START TO SEASONAL FINALE Following a two-month break, the GP2 Series returns to action this weekend at the Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi -- the last of this season's 10 race meetings and the only one to take place ...

ARDEN ENDURES TOUGH START TO SEASONAL FINALE

Following a two-month break, the GP2 Series returns to action this weekend at the Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi -- the last of this season's 10 race meetings and the only one to take place outside Europe. Arden International came to the event with high hopes of a strong performance, but both drivers have their work cut out after a difficult opening day. Rodolfo Gonzalez will line up 15th and team-mate Charles Pic is three places further adrift after mechanical woes hampered him throughout the day. An engine problem caused the Frenchman to miss almost all this morning's free practice session and gearbox trouble slowed him this afternoon.

Rodolfo:

"I was happy with my car at the start of free practice, although it was clear that we needed to improve a few things before qualifying. I did my best this afternoon, but no matter how hard I pushed I couldn't coax any more speed from the car. We have seen in the past, though, that you can score points in Abu Dhabi even when you start towards the back. That will be my goal tomorrow."

Charles:

"My engine wasn't working properly in free practice, so the team was obliged to change it. I didn't do many laps this morning, but knew my gearbox needed attention, too, because it was hard selecting first, second and third. That was still the case in qualifying, so I only hope we can get everything sorted out. I haven't had a chance to get a proper feel for the circuit conditions, given all my problems, but I'll do the best I can..."