Successful test for Speedcar Series
The first testing day of the brand new Speedcar Series has
been hailed a success by drivers and engineers.
Former Formula One drivers Jean Alesi, Johnny Herbert, Stefan
Johansson, and Gianni Morbidelli, were joined by American
stock car racers Mike Bliss and Tony Avy, to test three of
the championship's 600bhp cars at the Virginia International
Raceway, USA, on Monday (March 5th), completing over 90 laps
in total.
The inaugural championship is scheduled to begin in November,
with 24 identical cars competing on tracks across Asia and
the Middle East.
The drivers were delighted with how the first test had gone,
Jean Alesi said: "It is one of the few cars I have dreamt
of driving, and it's like I expected - lots of fun and really
powerful! For me it's a real pleasure, and having fun in a
car is so important for drivers. When you have fun with the
car you have a fun championship."
Johnny Herbert agreed, he said: "It was great to finally
get behind the wheel of a car that is very drivable and fun
as well. I think that this will make for good racing once
the series starts. The power of the car was surprisingly good,
but more importantly the drivability gave great feedback.
All in all we have a fantastic prospect for some great racing."
Stefan Johansson commented: "I'm pleased how well the
car is performing, and how high the grip level is. I didn't
expect this. So far all has gone really well and I am really
excited to start racing soon."
Gianni Morbidelli added: "I am very enthused - it is
the most fun car to drive, very simple, very powerful and
well balanced. I am sure it will offer us the possibility
of a great championship."
The series' engineers were also happy following the debut
test, Benjamin Durand, Speedcar Series technical manager,
said: "We are very pleased with the work done on the
car and engine. It's been a good shake down with no major
problems, and everybody is happy with the handling of the
car. Now, the work really starts in order to be ready for
November, but everything is on schedule."
Peter Guild, Speedcar Series engineer added: "From an
engine standpoint, we are adjusting the fuel injection mapping,
to get the best acceleration and performance. The drivers
feel that the power band of the engine is very good and crisp.
We are gathering more and more data that will help us to adjust
the engine power band and car gear ratios for the tracks that
we shall be going to."
|
