Red Bull's Mark Webber drove the new GP3 car for 19 laps at Paul Ricard today, giving the media and the teams entered for the inaugural season their first taste of the new series.

For the ten teams entered in the 2010 season this was the first time they have been able to get up close and personal with the car, giving them the perfect opportunity to see in detail their next challenge. It was also the occasion for them to discuss in length with the technical partners of the Series: Dallara, Hewland and Pirelli while also taking a closer look at the turbo engine developed by the Renault F1 Team in Viry-Chatillon.

Commenting after his first experience driving the car, Webber said "I have been pleasantly surprised by the new GP3 car. It's my first experience driving the car and I can honestly say it is like driving a small F1 car. A lot of the aspects are what I am already used to, but obviously on a smaller, more junior scale, for example the car has a full paddle shift gearbox and clutch system.

"The biggest advantage for this championship has to be racing at the Formula One race weekends. This will give drivers great exposure, and for sure all of the team bosses will be watching during race weekends. Overall I think it is a great car I am very impressed by the whole package, and I am looking forward to the first race next season."

Speaking about his involvement as a team principal in the series, Webber was quick to point out that it was the calibre of the Series that loured him. "Christian Horner was interested in taking part in the series and approached me. I'm not at the beginning of the F1 career so it was a logical step for me," he said.