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Solid Friday Testing For N.Technology |
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Sunday, 06 May 2007 |
Zandvoort’s sandy banks provided a good challenge for the N.Technology Alfa Romeo 156 drivers today as the team conducted the day’s testing for round three and four of the FIA World Touring Car Championship in Holland.
Both drivers completed essential laps during the two 30mins sessions, providing vital data for the Championship’s first weekend at the Zandvoort Circuit. A different set-up in the later session enabled James Thompson to post the sixth fastest time of 1:49.781, less than a second away from the best time of 1:48.972 claimed by SEAT Sport’s Tiago Monteiro.
Dutch rookie Olivier Tielemans was unlucky however, and had to retire
halfway through session one when he had an off at Turn 7 and the sand
hindered him from getting back on-track in his 156. The 22-year-old was
still able to take part in the afternoon’s second session where he
completed 15 laps.
The team will now analyse this afternoon’s figures, ready for qualifying tomorrow at 15.00 (CET).
James Thompson “We’ve never tested here before so sixth for today is
very encouraging. It’s good to have had two sessions as I needed to
learn the track. Although it is the same car as last year, we still
need to learn the new direction we are taking it in and any track-time
enables us to improve the car.”
Olivier Tielemans “I made a mistake at the apex and ended up off-track.
The only thing I could do after that was switch the engine off to
protect it from the sand. I’m really looking forward to a great weekend
here at my home track and I hope for a good performance on Sunday.”
Andrea Muller, Team Manager “Today’s sessions gave us a good idea of
what the car can do here this weekend and tomorrow’s free practice will
help too.”
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