FIA F2

Racing Engineering Paul Ricard test notes

New year, new start for Racing Engineering On Wednesday and Thursday this week, Racing Engineering joined the other GP2 teams for the first test of the new year at the Circuit Paul Ricard, renewing acquaintances up and down the pitlane as they got ...

Published: Feb 24, 2006, 6:24 PM

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New year, new start for Racing Engineering

On Wednesday and Thursday this week, Racing Engineering joined the other GP2 teams for the first test of the new year at the Circuit Paul Ricard, renewing acquaintances up and down the pitlane as they got to grips with the new version of the car that the team will use to compete in this year's championship.

The principal changes for 2006 are the slick tyres, which are replacing the grooved versions from last year, as well as updated brakes and a bi-plane rear wing. Unfortunately, the first day of the test started off with a wet track, but as the sun came out the track soon dried despite the cool conditions, allowing the team to complete their test programme.

Before the test Racing Engineering had taken the decision to concentrate on learning about the changes in the car and working on its general development rather than looking for outright speed. Despite this, Adam Carroll still managed to claim fifth spot in the final session with a strong lap of 1:13.426, while Javier Villa struggled due to a lack of car time his best lap was 1:15.046.

Team principal Alfonso de Orleans was pleased with his team's progress at the end of the two day test, noting: "I think we progressed enormously, both the technical team and the drivers made a great leap forward. Sadly we've had quite a few problems with red flags we had more red flags then I've ever seen ! so the drivers didn't go out when they had to with the good tyres, but I think Adam did a good job by finishing fifth today. By the next test, Gary Anderson, our new Technical Director, will have a better idea about the car, and Adam will have a better idea about working with him, so it's been a positive test."

Adam Carroll was equally pleased with his first test with the team: "I'm very happy I think we're doing what we've got to do, which is getting through all the set up work with Gary Anderson. We tried a lot of things, and I think we made a lot of progress from the first day to the second it was all positive. I think where we ended up today was good considering the tyres had already done twelve laps when we did the fastest lap, and we had a lot of red flags the tyres were almost gone, so I think the time was encouraging. We're moving in the right direction, the team is very good, and I enjoy working with everyone."

Javier Villa was disappointed to have suffered some technical problems which restricted his running, but noted: "It was okay today, but all day we had a few problems. The team told me not to worry because it's the first test, and I know it will get better. There was a lot of difference from the tests last year because of the tyres and the brakes the car is a lot faster, and the tyres are now a lot more like the ones I had in Formula Three."

-re-

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