No points, but plenty of encouragement

Arden drivers Charles Pic and Javier Villa came away empty-handed after today's GP2 Asia sprint race in Abu Dhabi - but they showed an impressive turn of speed that reflected the promise the team has shown throughout the weekend.

Javier Villa (ESP, Arden International) and Plamen Kralev (BUL, Trident Racing). Credit: Alastair Staley/GP2 Media

Having finished fourth in Friday's opening race, Villa was due to line up fifth but had to set off from the pits in the wake of starter motor problems. The race was neutralised in the wake of a multiple accident on the opening lap, but once the track was clear Villa put his head down and stormed through from the back of the field to finish 11th.

Team-mate Charles Pic made progress, too, moving up from 11th to eighth and setting some of the race's quickest laps in the process. It has been a particularly encouraging weekend for the French teenager, who qualified on pole position for yesterday's feature race but dropped from contention after a rival forced him off the track.

"I didn't make such a good start - again - and that is something I have to work on. I was pleased with my pace, though. My best lap time was one of the fastest three in the race and I know there is more to come. It's a little bit frustrating to come away with results like this after being quick in every session and starting from pole yesterday, but generally things have been positive. When we get to Bahrain I just need to sort out my starts and, perhaps, adapt a slightly more forceful approach when I'm overtaking."

"I was unlucky today, but overall it has been a good weekend. Bearing in mind that I had no previous experience of the circuit or the team, I was pleased with the way I qualified and with my drive in yesterday's race. With the changes we made overnight I felt sure I could win today - and at the very least record a podium finish. After my starter motor problems, though, I just did the best I could."

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