Vandoorne leads GP2 finale practice

McLaren Formula 1 test driver Stoffel Vandoorne began his bid to beat 2015 Sauber racer Felipe Nasr to the GP2 runner-up spot with the fastest time in Abu Dhabi practice.

While Jolyon Palmer has already wrapped up the GP2 title, Nasr is only eight points ahead of series rookie Vandoorne for second place.

Vandoorne led the way in Friday's opening session, clocking a 1m50.437s lap for ART to beat DAMS' Stephane Richelmi by 0.075 seconds.

DAMS held a one-two for a spell with Richelmi and Palmer, but they were first demoted, then separated, as Arthur Pic slotted his Campos entry into third. Johnny Cecotto Jr. completed the top five ahead of Nasr.

Ferrari and Red Bull proteges Raffaelle Marciello and Pierre Gasly were next up in seventh and eighth, followed by Mitch Evans and Kimiya Sato.

European Formula 3 and Formula Renault 3.5 racer Nicholas Latifi was 22nd on his GP2 debut with Hilmer, ahead of series returnees Conor Daly and Kevin Giovesi.

At the foot of the times, both Jon Lancaster and Simon Trummer had mechanical problems.

CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS: