British motor racing sensation Alex Lynn underlined his GP2 Series title credentials by setting the pace on day two of pre-season testing in Abu Dhabi earlier this week (March 10).

The 21-year-old GP3 champion, who was signed by the Williams Formula One team as its official development driver for 2015 lapped the 5.554-kilometre Yas Marina Circuit in a time of 1m49.6s to set fastest time of day two. His best overall time was 1m48.9s on the last day.

“The test was a great opportunity to get used to the GP2 car and work with the team ahead of the first race in Bahrain in April,” said Lynn, who used supersoft Pirelli tyres to set his fastest lap. “It was a successful three days and I can’t wait to put into practice what I learned in Abu Dhabi during the 2015 season.”

The Abu Dhabi test gave Lynn his second experience of driving in GP2 this year, following a session in the GP2 development car in Bahrain last month. French team DAMS guided Lynn’s fellow Briton Jolyon Palmer to the GP2 title in 2014.

Across the three days of testing Alex had the opportunity to familiarise himself with the GP2 car and put it through its paces. The Dallara-built machine is fitted with a 4-litre V8 engine and goes from 0-100kph in 2.9 seconds. With the addition of the Formula One-inspired Drag Reduction System (DRS), which gives drivers a performance boost by reducing aerodynamic drag in two designated zones, the speed of the GP2 car is even closer to an F1 car.

Lynn’s GP2 title bid begins at Sakhir in Bahrain from April 17-19. Before then, the Essex-born driver will undertake three more days of testing at the venue from April 1-3. GP2 is the main feeder category to Formula One. Lewis Hamilton became GP2 champion in 2006 prior to his step up to the sport’s top tier.