Alexander Rossi had to make do with a top-10 finish for Caterham Racing at Silverstone, as Sam Bird eased his tough recent time with a home GP2 victory.

Eastern Daily Press: American racer Alexander Rossi in his Caterham Racing GP2 seat at Silverstone, where he took a top-10 finish away from the feature race. Photo: Malcolm GriffithsAmerican racer Alexander Rossi in his Caterham Racing GP2 seat at Silverstone, where he took a top-10 finish away from the feature race. Photo: Malcolm Griffiths (Image: LAT Photographic)

Bird had been due to drive for Formula One outfit Mercedes at the soon to arrive young drivers' test – only for the Brackley team to be banned as punishment for helping Pirelli with a secret tyre test earlier in the F1 season.

But Brit Bird got over missing out on three days in an F1 car with feature race victory in its feeder series, to close the gap on the current GP2 championship leaders.

The Russian Time driver proved too strong for Dams' Stephane Richelmi and team-mate Tom Dillman in the 29-lap feature event on Saturday.

Rossi rose from 15th on the grid into the top 10 for Hingham-backed Caterham, although team-mate Sergio Canamasas was well off the pace – coming home 23rd.

The GP2 action was completed on Sunday with a 21-lap sprint race, in which Rossi finished ninth after starting 10th. Brit Jon Lancaster took the victory at his home circuit.