ROCHFORD-born Formula 1 debutant Will Stevens set the 19th fastest time at Yas Marina ahead of Sunday's Abu Dhabit Grand Prix.

The 23-year-old, who grew up in Hadleigh, took part in both practice sessions today.

Stevens finished 20th and bottom in the first practice after technical issues with his Caterham car meant he was only able to complete 14 laps at the end of the session.

The fomer Thorpe Hall schoolboy clocked a best time of 1:50.684 to finish 7.208 second adrift of fellow Brit Lewis Hamilton, who topped the timings, edging out Mercedes team-mate and drivers' championship rival Nico Rosberg by 0.133 seconds.

Free practice two was more productive for the Formule 1 debutant, whose sponsors paid £500,000 for his seat in the Caterham this weekend.

Echo:

Will Stevens on track at Abu Dhabi during free practice

Stevens, who lives in Surrey, was still the slowest driver on the circuit as he got used to the car, but improved his time to 1:47.057 after 34 laps of the circuit.

That was 1.6 seconds seconds behind Caterham team-mate Kamui Kobayashi, who has been driving for the Leafield-based team all season.

Hamilton again set the fastest time of 1:42.113 seconds going into tomorrow's qualifying sessions, pipping Rosberg by 0.083 seconds.

After free practice, Stevens tweeted: Thanks for your support today. Can't wait to get going tomorrow!"

Echo:

Walkabout - Will Stevens in the Yas Marina paddock today

Caterham missed the last two Grands Prix in USA and Brazil after going into administration.

The British team are competing at the end of season showdown after competing a successful crowdfunding project and having F1 ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone waive freight costs and charter a plane to get team staff to Abu Dhabi.

Stevens enjoyed a successful karting career before moving into single-seaters.

The 23-year-old driver is currently driving for Strakka Racing in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series and is sixth in the championship standings.