Former GP2 Series race winner Olivier Pla has completed a two day development test of the new GP2 / 08 at Circuit Paul Ricard HTTT at Le Castellet, France.
The test, which took place on August 29-30 2007, was an important opportunity for the GP2 Series to put the all-new car through further development programs, trying out new electronic and aerodynamic devices whilst perfecting the base set-up. The car ran without major issue for the duration of the two-day test, and GP2 Series Technical Director Didier Perrin was happy with the work carried out, and with the feedback the development team had gathered from Olivier.
The next test will take place back at Circuit Paul Ricard after the conclusion of the 2007 season, at which initial race simulations will be run, in line with the fitting and testing of the new on-board marshalling system and the 2008-spec steering wheel.
Didier Perrin – GP2 Series Technical Director:
Last week’s two day test saw another successful outing for the GP2 / 08. With Nelson Piquet Jr on testing duty for the Renault F1 Team, Olivier Pla took the wheel of the car for the test and I was pleased with his feedback and overall attitude. We knew from the previous test the high performance potential of the new car, the GP2 / 08. Being confident of the performance, for this test we were able to concentrate our efforts on systems development such as the new carbon clutch and the 2008 Engine ECU and Gearbox controller. We were also able to test new aerodynamic components.
The two days at Circuit Paul Ricard HTTT were also a good occasion to put mileage on the car, and put it through more robust challenges. For example, we asked Olivier to deliberately jump over curbs in order to stress the suspension components.
Having feedback from another experienced GP2 Series driver like Olivier was also very useful to confirm our choices on the aero down-force level that we will allow for the first race season. We are now sure that the configuration that we have chosen for that first season in 2008 will keep the new GP2 / 08 as difficult to set up and as tricky to drive as the teams and drivers have found the first generation car.
