Luca Filippi joined Qi-Meritus.Mahara team mate Hiroki Yoshimoto in Dubai today in preparation for the first GP2 Asia test session later this week at the Dubai Autodrome. Eager to get to work both drivers wasted no time heading straight to the 5.39km Dubai Autodrome to begin their preparations.

Luca Filippi commented: “I landed early this morning and my first priority was to visit the circuit. I didn’t know what to expect coming here but I am amazed, the city is really magical and amazing. I was surprised by how easily we found the circuit, just 25 minutes from central Dubai. I hoped we’d get to walk the circuit today, but unfortunately there is still a lot of standing water because of the recent floods and the circuit staff are working on clearing up the situation. Nevertheless the circuit looks impressive and quite similar to the tracks in I’ve experienced already in Bahrain and Turkey. I usually go well on this type of circuit so let’s see tomorrow what we can get out of the track.”

Hiroki Yoshimoto commented: “It was my first visit to the Dubai Autodrome. I was a bit disappointed not to be able walk around the track with the engineers because of the downpour but obviously the situation is being addressed. The garage is looking good with our cars almost all set up. Instead of walking the track we’ve spent some more time on fitness training to make sure we’re in top condition for tomorrow when the weather should be much better. I can’t wait to get on track.”

Narain Karthikeyan who was introduced to Meritus in 1995, and won the team's inaugural Asian championship in 1996 is now in New Zealand where he is competing the A1 GP World Cup of Motorsports this weekend. But Narain Karthikeyan sent a message to Peter Thompson, the team Principal: "When I drove with Meritus in 1996 it was a very professional team and thanks to this I won the team's inaugural Asian championship in 1996 on the last lap of the last race. I recall that it was a very tight competition, but the team’s discipline made the difference and it was so important for me because it was my first championship. Since then we went separate ways and Peter Thompson’s Team Meritus has done well in what has become one of the most exciting teams in the past twelve years of Asian Motorsport. They are entering a new series now and an even more ambitious level. It will be very competitive and I’m certain that with the winning culture and the right technical support for the driver the team will be able to adapt quickly to the new GP2 Asia series and do well. Best of luck for the season ahead!”