F-MASTER: Dominick Muermans season preview

DOMINICK MUERMANS PREPARES FOR FORMULA MASTER SEASON

VALENCIA, MAY 17 2007 -- During a two day test on the Valencia circuit Dominick Muermans got used to the Formula Master car. These test days were part of the final preparations for the first International Formula Master season that will launch on the Spanish circuit this weekend. Despite some teething trouble for the new series, the Dutchman was able to complete a full scheduled programme. Apart from getting to know the track, the driver and team also worked on a set-up for the brand new formula car.

The International Formula Master is running as a support series for the WTCC (World Touring Car Championship). After the free practice sessions and qualifying on Friday the first race of the series is scheduled for this Saturday. The second and final race of the weekend will be broadcasted live on Eurosport 2 this Sunday. After the shakedown at Monza (Italy) three weeks ago, Muermans drove the first couple of laps in the car on Tuesday. With a new set of tyres he made some reconnaissance laps around the track on which he tested a Formula 3 car a year ago. Muermans run ended after 37 laps, because a part of the suspension, the push rod, broke off. He ended his test in 24th position with a fastest lap op 1:30.939.

On Wednesday the Ombra Racing driver managed to complete a full day of testing. He did more laps on the track than any of the other 30 competitors (86 laps). Muermans improved his best time by over a second, eventually finishing 26th with a 1:29.786. Despite some technical problems 22-year old Muermans, who gained a lot of experience in the American Champ Car Atlantics during the last couple of months, is looking forward positively to the upcoming races in the new series.

DOMINICK MUERMANS: "We have worked hard during the last two days to find the right set-up for the opening races of the season here at Valencia. It did not go as easy as we had hoped for because we encountered some technical dif ficulties, which were solved later on. Despite most drivers not doing a lot of driving in these cars yet, the season looks promising. Each new race series has its growing pains, so in the end it will be all right. The car is superb to drive and the field is very competitive. The cooperation with the team and my engineer is going very well and we are pushing each other to a higher level. I am really looking forward to score a good result this weekend already!"

-credit: insightF1