Alesi tops Speedcar test
Written by John Davison · March 7, 2007
Speedcar Series new boy Jean Alesi topped the timesheets as the successful first test session of the brand new stock car championship came to an end. (not really a NASCAR story, but what better place for it here?)
The Frenchman, who completed 46 laps during the two-day test at the Virginia International Raceway, USA, posted a best time of 1′27″88, set whilst running a special qualification set-up.
The test was being used by drivers and engineers to perform the initial shakedown runs on three of the new 600bhp cars, not to search for ultimate lap times.
Former three-time grand prix winner Johnny Herbert finished with a best time of 1′29″57. He was followed by American stock car driver Tony Ave who posted a best lap of 1′31″10, Stefan Johansson finished with the fourth best time of 1′31″13, closely followed by Gianni Morbidelli, who set a best lap of 1′31″20. Completing the order was Mike Bliss, who is acting as Speedcar Series test driver, with a lap of 1′33″47.
A total of 224 laps (504 miles, 811 km) were completed during the test, with Alesi setting a top speed of 176.23 mph (283,55 km/h)
The first Speedcar Series championship season is scheduled to begin in November, with 24 identical cars competing on tracks across Asia and the Middle East.
Test Summary
Totals over 2 days
Driver Laps Best Lap Time Jean Alesi 46 1:27:88* Johnny Herbert 53 1:29:57 Tony Ave 43 1:31:10 Stefan Johansson 25 1:31:13 Gianni Morbidelli 34 1:31:20 Mike Bliss 23 1:33:47 Total 224 504 miles (811 kms) * qualification set up
Top speed: Alesi, 176.23 mph (283,55 kmh)
[Editor’s note: We were fortunate to become PR Director at VIR just last week, so we drove up to the lovely Virginia track for Monday’s test. The cars sound great, look very quick on the track and will definitely make for some great racing. While the teams and promoter of the series did not want any publicity besides what they release, they were more than gracious in welcoming track personnel to the garages used.
Alesi was very quick, almost from the start. Morbidelli had some comments about the differences between the new sedans and the formula cars he is more accustomed to driving. In spite of this, he was very quick to adapt. Johnny Herbert, Stefan Johansson, Tony Ave and of course Mike Bliss were all quick. Bliss’ “slow” time reported here is more due to his being used to set up the cars than to any difference in driving abilities. Watching the drivers interact with each other, the team and the ancillary personnel was entertaining, to say the least.
Everyone involved was very pleasant with yours truly.
John Davison, PR Director, VIRginia International Raceway]
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