The car achieved the second
fastest time of the three day test (1:18.626), just 0.021 of a second from an
LMP1 competitor car, and well ahead on the timing sheets of the next fastest
LMP1. The potential pace of the car at the test was better still, the combined
best sector times showing a potential time three tenths faster than the fastest
car at the test.
The
Ginetta was one of only two LMP1 cars present to lap in the 1:18s, a feat it
achieved numerous time during the test with Ginetta factory driver Charlie
Robertson bettering times set by ex Formula One and Le Mans winning talent
elsewhere:
“It’s
been a really successful test,” said Ginetta Chairman Lawrence Tomlinson. “Of
course we have confidence in the car but it is fantastic to see that confirmed
not only by its own performance on track, but also by our performance against
our peers. Not only has the car proved to have pace that would put it
amongst the fastest in the class, it has proved too that the performance is repeatable,
our stints throughout the test, in the dry and in the wet, were consistent as
well as quick.”
The test
saw Robertson and fellow Ginetta Factory man Mike Simpson share driving duties
with ex-IndyCar Driver James Jakes, plus a pair of guest drivers helping to
assess the Ginetta.
“Each of
the drivers found the car easy to squeeze the performance out of,” said
Simpson. “This was my first opportunity to sample the car since we switched to
the AER engine and it has transformed the car.
“It has
lost none of the inherent aero performance and stability of the car that we
already saw at Le Mans last year with the previous powerplant – but now with an
enormous boost in performance right across the range.”
The
Ginetta was remarkably reliable too across the three days, just one minor glitch,
easily solved by the Ginetta factory crew, interrupted the final session of the
day on a rather wet/dry Wednesday, the car fastest of the four LMP1 cars
present in wet conditions.
“The
test has been very positive indeed,” said Ginetta Technical Director Pete
Smith. “It’s good to have shown that the car is capable, despite our limited
running before these three days, of delivering fully on the promise of the
design, with all involved agreeing that there is much more still to come”
Lawrence
Tomlinson added:
“We’re
talking to prospective customers for the car but would, of course, welcome
conversations with more – there is still time to engage with us and learn more
about what we already know is set to be a car in top level international
competition for at least the next two seasons of the FIA WEC, capable of
competing with, and beating, the best of the competition in a world class
Championship.
“I’d
particularly like to thank Michelin for such a well-organised and valuable test
– and in particular for allowing us to see what additional performance was
unlocked by their improved front tyres for LMP1.
