IFM: Series Valencia morning test notes 2009-03-01

KRAL FASTEST ON FIRST OFFICIAL DAY BACK

JD Motorsport's Josef Kral topped this morning's timesheets on the first official 2009 Formula Master test day in Valencia, Spain, with a best lap of 1:27.387.

The young Czech driver was closely followed by Iris Project's Simon Trummer, whose best lap of 1:27.650 was just 0.263 seconds adrift, whilst Erik Janis completed the top three with a fastest time of 1:27.848 for ISR.

This morning marked the first outing of Formula Master single-seaters sporting the 2009 update kit, which features a new engine cover and a redesigned rear wing as well as air brake ducts and a new exhaust system 4-2-1 combined with new engine software.

This afternoon will see AR Motorsport's Mihai Marinescu test the car's updated rear wing elements for the first time.

"The 2009 update gives a very good step up to power in low and mid revs," said 2008 Formula Master Vice-Champion Fabio Leimer. "It makes it easier to go round in slow corners.

"I got a good feeling from the car; it's funny to drive and more of a challenge. There's no big difference in higher revs but on short ratios, you feel the power more. The car is more difficult to drive now so it will make a bigger difference between drivers."

-credit: ifm