02/04/2010
NEWS STORY
Carlin enjoyed a successful GP3 test this week, as the British based squad joined nine other teams from across Europe for the second ever GP3 test. Despite it being their first experience in the GP3 machinery, Carlin's test drivers Dean Smith, Josef Newgarden and Jake Rosenzweig showed competitive pace to aid the team's preparations ahead of the inaugural GP3 season.
All ten teams took part in a qualifying shootout on Thursday, to decide the race numbers for the 2010 season. With the fastest driver earning the numbers 1,2,3 for his team and the remaining numbers being allocated relative to drivers' positions on the time sheets, the pressure was on to record the best time possible.
Despite his relative inexperience, it was Newgarden that led the way for Carlin, the young American was officially classified sixth quickest, handing the Carlin team the numbers 14, 15 and 16 for its GP3 cars in the 2010 season.
With the short qualifying session over, testing resumed, with Dean Smith enjoying a strong finish to his first ever GP3 test. The Formula Renault 2.0 UK champion had been 11th quickest at the end of his first ever GP3 session on old tyres and despite some technical issues finished Thursday as the eighth quickest driver in the 30 strong field.
Carlin's Formula Renault 3.5 racer Jake Rosenzweig also had his first experience of the GP3 car this week. Rosenzweig completed a lengthy test programme for the team and provided some solid feedback.
Reflecting on the test, Racing Director Trevor Carlin said, "Considering his experience, Josef's performance this week in the GP3 car was very impressive. He improved with every lap and his enthusiasm and feedback was great for the team. Dean was also on the pace despite suffering from a lack of track time and really impressed us with his speed and attitude. We already have a great relationship with Jake which helped and he provided us with lots of feedback over the two days. I feel confident that we're in a strong position ahead of the final pre-season test."
The final pre-season test will take place at Barcelona from 13 - 14 April.