Photo: Raffaele MarcielloGoing into today’s qualifying and first race at the fourth round of the 2012 Toyota Racing Series, young Italian racer Raffaele Marciello has posted fastest time. Marciello, who is part of the Ferrari Driver Academy, set a 1:00.303 in the first of two official test sessions yesterday, comfortably inside the lap record for the Hampton Downs circuit.
Members of the FDA’s management have arrived in New Zealand to check out these two final rounds of the five week championship. Mitch Evans, making a return to TRS in preparation for next weekend’s New Zealand Grand Prix, was second fastest.
Nathanael Berthon and series leader Nick Cassidy were among those who had early speed but struggled to stay in touch with the flying Italian. Marciello said he was looking to run at the same lap time in the afternoon session but was only able to complete nine laps due to a mechanical problem.
Qualifying for the 19-strong TRS field is over 30 minutes from 11.35 am Saturday morning, with the first race due to get underway at 3:59 pm NZDST
