|
 South
Australia based Formula 3 outfit Team BRM ramped up preparations
for their home round of the 2004 championship yesterday, completing
a highly successful day’s testing at Mallala Raceway –
the team’s home circuit.
Held
in cold and blustery conditions, the familiar circuit gave series
leader Karl Reindler the chance to perfect his Mallala set-up, as
preparations build up for the expected fight at the front of the
field when the racing resumes next weekend.
Driving his usual #19 Dallara F301, the session was the first time
back in a team BRM car since the young West Australian star had
his test with Carlin Motorsport in the UK last month. Reindler completed
close to 70 laps and set a best time of 1m04.25 – 2.2 seconds
under the existing Formula 3 lap record at Mallala.
“Today
we got a fair bit done as far as set-up is concerned. I’m really
happy with the way we have gone.” He said. “The car is
really good, but there is still more to come out of myself and the
car, so bring on next weekend!”
Team
BRM technical director Ian Richards was impressed with the championship
leader’s performance. “Karl was really driving within
himself, and did a very good job today.” Said Richards. “We
are anticipating high 1m03s lap times here during the meeting, but
the times that were set today were very impressive given the weather
conditions.” He said.
The
Mallala test was the first opportunity for F3 rookie Tim Slade to
get behind the wheel of one of the teams ‘wings and slicks’
cars, in what turned out to be a very impressive performance by
the former Karting champion.
The
19-year-old South Australian will make his F3 race debut with team
BRM at the Mallala meeting, the test a good opportunity for Slade
to become acclimatised to the #8 Dallara F301 that was last seen
in action at the Clipsal 500 in March this year.
Slade
completed a strong days running which saw him become acclimatised
to the car quicker than he first expected at the start of the day’s
session
“Today
went smoothly and according to plan. I think I exceeded my expectations
with how quickly I adapted to the car.” He said. “The
biggest difference (Between F3 and Formula ford) is that the F3
car is very sensitive on cold tyres, but when they warm up its great.”
Team
engineer Craig Rundle was thrilled with Slade’s performance
during the test.
“I’m
extremely impressed with Tim. He carried a very mature approach
into the test and did everything we asked of him.’ Said Rundle.
“Tim adapted to the car really quickly and set some excellent
times, which leaves the whole team looking forward to next weekend,
where we should have three cars at the top.”
Team
Owner Bronte Rundle echoed Craig’s comments. “An excellent
day’s testing today, which saw both drivers happy with their
cars and pace at the end of the say,” he said. “The laptimes
were exceptional, and I believe we are in great shape going into
our home round of the series.”
|
