Sam Bird sure Abu Dhabi test work will pay off for Mercedes' 2012 F1 car

The GP2 race-winner had an intensive three days of running, completing 251 laps, with the team focused on development running for next year's car.

On the final day of the test, the Mercedes featured 2012-specification exhausts, which were located at the top of the rear section of the MGP W02 to conform to regulations aimed at outlawing exhaust blown diffusers.

"We did some very strong work for three days," Bird told AUTOSPORT. "We did a lot of laps and a lot of hard work went into this test.

"Hopefully they can go away now, have a look at the data and see where we need to improve for 2012.

"It's great to be getting involved in making a 2012 F1 car. To be in on that is very good."

Bird finished the third day of the test second fastest overall, but was wary of comparing his time to the other drivers.

He was happy with his performance throughout the week in his first F1 outing since last year's young driver test.

"It's good to be second fastest, but you don't know what other people are running," he said. "Others ran supersoft tyres, but we didn't; I didn't run low on fuel, but others did.

"You never know in F1 testing what people are doing, but I was happy with what I did. It was a very good three days.

"I picked up where I left off in the last test and I felt very comfortable in the team. I've been with them for a year now and I would like to thank them for putting me back in the car again."