Formula V8 3.5

Series Aragon test report day 1

Adrian Quaife-Hobbs confirms his good form Having already put in a good performance in Barcelona, Adrian Quaife-Hobbs (Comtec Racing) confirmed that the Formula Renault 3.5 Series is a car that suits him down to the ground here in Motorland Aragon ...

Published: Oct 19, 2010, 4:17 PM

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Adrian Quaife-Hobbs confirms his good form

Having already put in a good performance in Barcelona, Adrian Quaife-Hobbs (Comtec Racing) confirmed that the Formula Renault 3.5 Series is a car that suits him down to the ground here in Motorland Aragon today. Whether on worn tyres or fresh rubber, the British driver was always at the top of the timing screens throughout both of the sessions of the day. The American driver Alexander Rossi (ISR) also put in a fine performance, as did the New Zealander Brendon Hartley (P1 Motorsport). Testing for the Formula Renault 3.5 Series continues at the Motorland Aragon circuit tomorrow and on Wednesday.

TThree days of collective testing for the Formula Renault 3.5 Series are on the agenda here at Motorland Aragon, with the final day devoted to drivers invited by Renault Sport Technologies. On Monday, several new drivers cut their teeth in the category. Dominic Storey was taking his chance to discover the world of Formula Renault 3.5 with International Draco Racing. Rio Haryanto lined up with Carlin, Miki Monras with Epsilon Euskadi, while Fabio Onidi was getting his first track time in the Formula Renault 3.5 single-seater with Fortec Motorsport and Zoel Amberg got a drive in a BVM Target car. Today, Walter Grubmuller (P1 Motorsport), Brendon Hartley, Nathanael Berthon (Tech 1 Racing), Anton Nebilitskiy (KMP Racing), Nelson Panciatici (KMP Racing) and Sergio Canamasas (BVM Target) were the only drivers present to have taken part in the 2010 season.

Proceedings got underway in fine weather and under clear blue skies at Motorland Aragon, allowing all the drivers to put a good number of laps in during the first session. In the morning, the pace was set by Adrian Quaife-Hobbs, Daniel Zampieri (International Draco Racing) and Brendon Hartley. Anton Nebilitskiy and Alexander Rossi were also not far off the pace. The early part of the morning was mainly devoted to development. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs, Daniel Zampieri, Anton Nebilitskiy and Alexander Rossi took it in turns to go fastest. Then, Brendon Hartley put in a fastest lap in 1'44''026, without having switched to fresh tyres, unlike Adrian Quaife-Hobbs who finally set the fastest time of the morning, with a lap in 1'43''691. This put the British driver ahead of Brendon Hartley, Alexander Rossi, Anton Nebilitskiy and Walter Grubmuller.

The drivers put in another good chunk of time out on track in the afternoon. Anton Nebilitskiy, Daniel Zampieri, Adrian Quaife-Hobbs and Brendon Hartley were once again the ones doing the front-running. Nathanael Berthon then took his opportunity to have his say in the fight for the fastest time. Brendon Hartley finally made the switch to fresh tyres and improved on the fastest time set by Adrian Quaife-Hobbs in the morning, with a lap in 1'43''526. The New Zealander had thrown down the gauntlet and it was up to Adrian Quaife-Hobbs and Alexander Rossi to respond. The American was the first to hit back, with a lap in 1'43''424, but the British driver went one better once again, with a lap in 1'43''055, meaning he finished at the top of the order in both sessions of the day.

Quote, unquote:

Adrian Quaife-Hobbs: "When I came here I didn't quite know what to expect, as I know a lot less about Motorland Aragon than I do about Barcelona. I am very happy with the result, as its proves we're on the right track. We are quick on both fresh and worn tyres. This time, unlike in Barcelona, we are going to do everything we can to hold onto this fastest time to the end of these three days of testing. No decisions have been made yet for 2011, but Formula Renault 3.5 Series with Comtec Racing now has to be at the top of my list!"

Nathanael Berthon: "We have been able to put some good work in with Tech 1 Racing. For the moment, I'm not looking to push in terms of performance. I am just getting to know the Tech 1 Racing car and the way they work. Things really work differently from one team to another, so it's interesting to get a feel for that. Tomorrow we are going to try and up the pace a bit. If I have the chance to drive in Formula Renault 3.5 Series next season, then my objective is clearly to be with Tech 1 Racing."

Fabio Onidi: "Today both the car and the track were new to me, so I had a lot to deal with compared to the others. It was a bit tricky this morning, but things went much better towards the end of the day. Overall, I am satisfied with my day and I felt very good with Fortec Motorsport. Tomorrow I'll be driving for ISR - it's always a rewarding experience to able to drive for different teams."

-source: renault sport

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