Formula Master racers Jerome D'Ambrosio, Chris van der Drift, Marcello Puglisi and Kasper Andersen all produced encouraging performances as they hit the track in GP2 machinery for the first time during the four-day test at Paul Ricard.

D'Ambrosio ran on the first two days of the test as a reward for his success in taking the inaugural FMaster title [see earlier story], while Puglisi and Andersen also hit the track having joined the Minardi Piquet Sports and FMS International teams earlier in the week.

“This week was my first time in a GP2 car and it was fantastic,” said Andersen, who won two Formula Master races this season. “I didn't know what to expect and was a bit apprehensive but there was no need; everything went really well.

“The main difference I found between Formula Master and GP2 is the driving style; in Formula Master you are able to carry more speed around medium or slow corners. With bigger cars like GP2 you brake later and accelerate sooner in corners, which means that you don't have as much speed.”

Monza race-winner Puglisi tested on Tuesday and Wednesday and improved his lap times consistently at the wheel of the Minardi Piquet Sports car.

“I've been looking forward to testing a car like this for a long time,” said the Italian. “The whole experience was great and getting used to the car was a lot easier than I expected it to be.”

It was then left to series runner-up van der Drift to fly the flag on the final day of the session, with the Dutchman posted the twelfth quickest time on Friday.

“It was good to work with Trident Racing,” he said. “I've been in touch with them throughout the year and feel very lucky that we have such a good relationship.

“The step to GP2 is not such a leap from Formula Master. The two main things to worry about with these bigger cars are the gears and the difference in horsepower but since the Formula Master car has the same gear system as GP2, all I had to concentrate on was the extra horsepower! It all went very well.”