AP: ART Motorsports Sepang test summary

Encouraging test at Malaysia

Asia Racing Team (ART) Motorsports enjoyed an encouraging start to its Formula Asia 2.0 campaign last week, with a promising performance at the first test of the season in Sepang, Malaysia.

The Japanese Yoshitaka Kuroda, the Indonesian Rio Haryanto, and the Hong Kong "Gentleman Driver" Stephen Fan travelled to Malaysia for a unique testing experience ahead of the first race of the first Formula Asia 2.0 season.

For the Macanese team based at ZIC it was the first opportunity to test the 2008 aero-kit Formula Renault 2.0 spec, and get back to the Michelin tyres. After three seasons running on Kumho tyres, the red and yellow ART Motorsports cars will be fit again with team long-time partner rubber. The three ART Motorsports drivers practiced the full track in the first day, and the short circuit in the second day. At the end of the two-days ART Motorsports was very satisfied with the good progress on the drivers test and development programme.

After one week of testing in February at ZIC the former Nissan Drivers Development Program driver Yoshitaka Kuroda was happy to return to a race car cockpit. He spent the two-days of testing at the wheel of his new car as the team returned to the race track eager to make up for lost time and the Japanese ace was happy with how his time at the wheel had progressed.

Reflecting on his first test with the new car, Indonesian karting ace Rio Haryanto said, "I'm pleased with how we did in the test. I like this car very much. I'm impressive with the aerodynamics results! The car is easier to drive, and I hope it could be quicker".

Working under the expertise of Macanese F3 driver Rodolfo Avila, the Director of The Lotus Club of Hong Kong Stephen Fan commented, "Apart from learning various tricks and tweaks on Formula Renault 2.0 handling, the Sepang track introduced me to the term "downforce". It literally means "balls"..."

ART Motorsports Team Manager Philippe Descombes added: "it was really good to be testing on this F1 track. Both drivers learned a lot during these days and it was also very good for the team to evaluate the performance of the new aero pack. Plus we had the chance to test on the north track where we will be racing in the weekend. We should come back at the end of May for some testing there...."

The upcoming Formula Asia 2.0 event will be held on 15 18 May 2008 (4 days event) at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia. Formula Asia 2.0 car will be using both the full track for Friday races and half track during the weekend.

-credit: art-motorsports.com