USA: Alexander Rossi VIR test notes

Alexander Rossi Sets Stunning Times In FBMWUSA Spring Training
Teenage sensation shows his hand during official FBMW USA test at VIR

Virginia International Raceway, VA -- It is said that age and experience account for much, but if you are only 15 years old and are in your first season of international motor racing you don't have those luxuries to fall back on, instead you can only rely upon copious amounts of talent and God-given natural ability behind the wheel.

That Alexander Rossi was to be found at the head of the timesheets at VIR against much older and more experienced rivals simply highlighted the phenomenal ability the Californian has demonstrated in his short racing career to-date, and places a marker for things to come.

Despite having never driven the south course at VIR before, Rossi was fast to adapt to it -- and was adept at being fast on it -- his name showing in second position throughout the day. Such was his pace that even when a minor technical gremlin that kept him in the pits for an hour or so, his rivals could not eclipse his blisteringly fast time. He ended the day a mere 0.43 sec from the fastest time posted.

The second day started much as the first had for Rossi; P2 once again and he had closed the gap to a mere 0.02 sec from the top spot by the lunch break. As the test drew to a close he was third overall -- only 0.10 sec from the fastest time set by a driver two years his senior and with plenty of FBMW experience. Alexander had easily proved himself the quickest rookie and had shown the established runners he was a threat to be reckoned with.

"Everything seems to be going well," shrugged the modest teenager at day's end, "everybody is gaining confidence and everything is going as we'd hoped. I'm very happy obviously! We have one more test in a couple of weeks and everything is ready to go."

-credit: hm