Motorsport: Hartley flies in Monaco practice

New Zealander Brendon Hartley at work on the challenging Monaco street circuit. Photo / Frederic Le Floch, DPPI

High-flying New Zealand race driver Brendon Hartley - who recently signed on with Red Bull racing as an F1 reserve - has shown serious pace in his Monaco debut.

It was 19-year-old Hartley's first time on the challenging circuit, driving in the World Series Renault 3.5 class.

In a late free practice session run he managed to put in a time just one-tenth of a second off pacesetting Brit James Walker's 1:28.920 lap.

Hartley was relieved to finish as top rookie in the session, after a troubled start to his European season.

Qualifying will take place on Saturday morning, local time, and the race itself - which is not a points round - will act as curtain raiser to the Monaco Grand Prix.

The World Series Renault Dallara chassis used in the series is powered by a 3.5-litre, 24-valve, V6 engine which produces in excess of 425hp.

- NZ HERALD STAFF