IFM: Series Brno test notes 2009-04-21

HITECH JUNIOR TOP ROOKIE ON DAY ONE AT BRNO

Official testing in Brno, Czech Republic, got underway today for the third International Formula Master (IFM) test this season, with Hitech Junior's Alexander Rossi posting the fastest overall rookie time.

With 17 drivers taking part in the two-day test, the field includes nine rookies amongst those with previous IFM race experience, led by Rossi whose best lap of 1:49.25 was good enough for fourth overall.

Fellow rookie Patrick Reiterer, driving for Iris Project also featured in the day's top eight times, completing his lap in 1:49.54, whilst Jenzer Motorsport's Pål Varhaug was ninth fastest (1:50.06).

Two Formula Master newcomers were present in Brno; Nicola De Marco, driving for Cram Competition, and Portugal's Tiago Petiz with Trident Racing. Both acquitted themselves well on their first time in the IFM single-seater, posting fastest laps of 1:50.84 and 1:51.80 respectively.

AR Master's Kelvin Snoeks completed today's field of rookies with a best time of 1:52.10, whilst it was Jenzer Motorsport's Fabio Leimer that led the overall timesheets thanks to a fastest lap of 1:48.94, with JD Motorsport's Sergey Afanasiev as his closest rival.

The majority of drivers improved their morning times significantly during the afternoon session, with Afanasiev setting a 1:49.09-lap, whilst ISR's Erik Janis claimed the third fastest time of the day (1:49.14).

Formula Master's official test in Brno continues tomorrow with Lithuanian driver Kazimeiras Vasiliauskas set to join the field for Trident Racing.

-credit: ifm