Kimi Raikkonen took part in a GP3 test

by - 8/20/2013 10:23:00 p.m.

Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen completed an official GP3 test in a GP3/13 car the Circuit de Catalunya on Friday.

The Finn was tasked with testing how the car responded to different tyre compounds as part of a technical development programme to increase overtaking in the series.

The 2007 World Champion completed 58 laps with a best time of 1:34.780 - that would have been good enough for third on the grid when GP3 visited the circuit in May.

"I wanted to test the GP3/13 because my friend Afa Heikkinen has a team [Koiranen GP] in this Series and I have been closely following their progress and results since the beginning of the season," Raikkonen said.

"I was curious to see how the car handled and it was actually fun to drive. There were a few issues regarding its behaviour, but we managed to solve most of them.

"The GP3/13 is a very good tool for young drivers, especially when you have to learn about tyre management like we have in F1."

GP3 Series Technical Director Didier Perrin was delighted to have the chance work on the development of the car with such an experienced driver.

"We are extremely pleased to have had the opportunity to work with Kimi today," he said.

"His experience and feedback were invaluable and they gave us a better understanding of what needs to be done in order to make our car a better tool in overtaking opportunities for next season.

"He has confirmed all our hypothesis, and together we could start working on two development directions for the end of season testing. We would like to thank Kimi for testing with us today and Koiranen GP for helping make this possible."

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