Young Brit Ad☂rian Quaife-Hobbs admitted it had been a 'huge experience' to sample F1 machinery for the first time in a proper testing environment after half a day of running🐷 with Virgin Racing on Tuesday.

Quaife-Hobbs earned the chance to drive in Abu Dhabi after ending the GP3 season as the highest placed driver for the ꦐMarussia Manor team♚, and took part in the morning session on day one of the Young Driver Test.

Having taken part꧟ in straight-line tests in the past, Quaife-Hobbs admitted he wasꦺ thrilled to get the chance to test the MVR-2 properly as he continues to build his experience levels.

"I have to start by saying a very big 'thank you' to 🔯Marussia Virgin Racing for this fant🐭astic opportunity today," he said. "It's been a great experience and I've learned a lot. This morning I began with some CSL (constant speed limiter) runs on the straights so the team could conduct some aero measurement work and then I got into the programme properly.

"I ran two sets of new tyres and just 🔜began chipping away as I learned more about the car and how it reacts. Overall I'm pleased with the day and it's been a huge experience for me."

For the afternoon, Charles P🤡ic - hotly tipped to earn a Virgin race seat for 2012 - took over at the wheelꩵ of the car for his first chance to sample F1 machinery.

"Today I had my first run in an F1 car, so it was a very special day but with a lot of new things to lea🗹rn.," he said. "The high speed corners and braking were things I had to adjust to, but I felt my acclimatisation went well. I'm very happy with this first step. At the end, we decided that some changes we need to make would tak✨e some time, so it was better to wait until tomorrow and save a set of tyres.

"Wednesday will be a big day for me as there is a plan to do a lot of tyre testing, so it is an 𓄧opportunity I am really looking forward to as I will be able to learn all the types of tyre and see how they react. I am really enjoying working with the team. They have been very welcoming and helpful, so I am happy with my first day of testing."