Newcomers thrilled at Carrera GB test
Five drivers had the chance to sample the Porsche Carrera Cup GB during an exclusive Sampler Day at Snetterton yesterday (Monday 3 March). All of them ended the day buzzing about the driving experience in the 911GT3 Cup car and are all determined to race in the series this season.Tony Gilham, who is already committed to a full campaign, and four other drivers took part in the highly successful event, which allowed them extensive track time as well as coaching from Tim Harvey and a full technical briefing from Porsche Motorsport. Each driver had at last 20 laps, including a 12-lap solo run in the 400bhp Porsche. As well as Gilham, Caterham racers Ollie Jackson and Matt Blyth were on hand along with former Asian F3 racer Greg Murphy and former Renault Clio front-runner Ed Pead. With no other car on track at any point in the day, each driver was able to fully explore the stunning capabilities of the Carrera Cup car. As each driver returned to the pits at the end of their solo runs, big grins confirmed their reaction to the experience.Ollie Jackson: "It's thinking ahead, but if I get a chance I'm keen to have a run on some non-clashing dates this season."Tony Gilham: "I just can't wait to get my own car now and start testing."Greg Murphy: "I'm absolutely serious about getting into the Carrera Cup. It was an amazing experience and far surpassed what I expected. It feels like a real racing car."Matt Blyth: "This is what I want to do. My main priority is to do a full season. It's a really, really nice car to drive and I just want to be out racing one now."Ed Pead: "I definitely fancy doing the Carrera Cup and I'm hoping to be out later in the season. It felt really good."