British F3 Official test - Rockingham

03/03/2010

Clear blue skys greeted the Team on its arrival at Rockingham Motor Speedway a welcome change following the wet and foggy days at Snetterton just a few days before.  The Team embarked on a structured test programme at Rockingham looking to build on the fantastic showing at the Snetterton test.

Run in 45 minute sessions it was the first visit to Rockingham for British F3 rookie Felipe Nasr and a welcome return for Carlos Huertas and Daisuke Nakajima.

Day 1 remained dry throughout the track was cold and “green” due to the heavy rain over the previous weekend. Daisuke went to the top of the timesheets during the morning session but was piped to the top spot at the end of the morning by just 0.009 second! Team mates Carlos Huertas and Felipe Nasr worked on differing programmes with Felipe spending time learning the circuit and Carlos evaluating a number of mechanical and aerodynamic set ups.  Some more positive news was that Daisuke and Carlos topped the second sector speed trap times at the end morning running.

The afternoon sessions were used to work on race set up, Carlos took the opportunity to improve on his morning lap time whilst Felipe was thwarted on his fast lap by one of the many Red Flags that were shown over the day.

Day 2 was clear and dry if a little cold but the circuit was in good condition and the Team continued with the test programme. During the morning sessions all three drivers improved on their times from the previous day although yet again Felipe’s final run on new tyres was cut short by yet another Red Flag!

Following the lunch break all three drivers embarked on a simulated race run which was carried out over the new for 2010 race duration of 40 minutes, Rockingham is unique in the UK in terms of layout and the drivers soon find out if the winter training they have undertaken has prepared them well. Neck muscles are tested to the maximum!

At the end of the two days the top 13 drivers over the two days all set times quicker than last Summer’s pole position, 2010 is shaping up to be a very competitive season.

Oulton Park, the Eastertime venue for the championship’s opening rounds, is the next circuit on the pre-season F3 test schedule, with a day of testing scheduled for Wednesday March 10th.