06/03/2007
NEWS STORY
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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."