Davide Valsecchi put in another strong performance in Abu Dhabi on Saturday to maintain his bid for the championship.

The Italian started seventh on the grid and was held back by Michael Herk until the final lap.

Herk was handed the lead after Max Chilton sank as the lights went out, allowing Herk to slip past into the first turn with the rest being held up by Chilton.

Meanwhile, Joseph Kral was caught up in the chaos created by Sergio Perez and Luca Filippi that impelled the appearance of the safety car to allow Kral's broken car to be removed.

The race was restarted with all guns blazing with Giacomo Ricci sliding through Alexander Rossi to give hope for the first ever 1-2 finish for team DPR with team-mate Herk leading the pack.

Meanwhile Jules Bianchi was in inspired form, trying his best not to use his brakes as he found ways to pass through the rest that were previously unthought of.

Valsecchi however, was not to be outdone as his experience came into play when he soon made his way through the pack. After passing Ricci before the chicane on lap 14, the Italian out ran Herk on the long back straight five laps later.

Herk meanwhile celebrated his first ever podium finish ahead of Ricci.

The Italian finished two seconds ahead of Herk and is leading the table with 35 points, his team mate Oliver Turvey is second with 16 whilst Alexander Rossi is third with 10.

iSport is currently well ahead with 51 points while closest competitors DPR are far away with a 15 points at the close of the second Abu Dhabi round of the GP2 Asia Series.