Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

Australia

Nicholas Latifi experiments new Formula 2 car for the first time

Toronto native Nicholas Latifi made a successful return to the FIA Formula 2 Championship last week, testing the new car for the 2018 season.

Nicholas Latifi, DAMS

Nicholas Latifi, DAMS

FIA Formula 2

Alexander Albon, DAMS, Nicholas Latifi, DAMS
Nicholas Latifi, DAMS
Nicholas Latifi, DAMS
Nicholas Latifi, DAMS

Nicholas Latifi, who was sidelined from the Formula 2 Paul Ricard test earlier this month and who missed his first test of the new Force India Formula 1 car in Barcelona because of illness, drove the new F2 car the first time at the Sakhir International Circuit in Bahrain, site of the opening round of the new season in two weeks' time.

Latifi, who drives for the French DAM outfit, was given the all clear by his medical team to get back behind the wheel for the three-day test.

"I definitely felt on the back foot when I started driving because it's a completely new car compared to 2017 and I missed valuable track time at Paul Ricard," the Canadian declared.

"The way you have to drive this car is different, and that goes for the turbo engine as well. The handling characteristics have changed because it is a heavier car, so there is quite a lot to figure out and I had a lot less time to do it. The new clutches are tricky to manage, and plenty of drivers were stalling pulling out of the pits and during practice starts. I've had less time to get used to the new unit, so I had to get up to speed quickly.”

Physically, Latifi was almost back to normal, but he did feel the effects of an enforced break from training during his recuperation.

"While driving there were no issues at all, there was a bit of fatigue around mid-day - more than I'd normally get - a few dips in energy that I normally don't have, but nothing that would affect me. I have another two weeks to bring my fitness levels back up, so I can feel that much better while I'm driving,” he admitted.

 

Be part of Motorsport community

Join the conversation
Previous article Mercedes protege Gunther fastest as F2 testing ends
Next article Nissany firms up F2 switch with Campos

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

Australia