2013 Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS opened the season with 30 cars on track in the Vallelunga official collective testing session held yesterday. Eleven different teams lined up their cars on the track near Rome that in two weeks time, the 6/7 April weekend, will host the first out of the seven season double venues.This debut unveiled the revised car (new aerodynamics and updated chassis) and hosted drivers from 14 different nationalities.First strike in the morning session,with the tarmac slightly wet but then progressively drying, was to the Interwetten Russian driver Konstantin Tereshchenko, with 133.544. Behind him was the Italian Simone Iaquinta (GSK Grand Prix), with a gap of just 186 thousands. The young Japanese driver Ukyo Sasahara went third quickest in the Euronova Racing car. Behind him was the new Prema driver Antonio Fuoco.In the afternoon, with the temperature rising, the clocked times were considerably reduced. It was just Fuoco to impress setting 132.378. Second and third time for Davide Rigon (on the second Prema car) and Patrick Niederhauser (Jenzer Motorsport), both however were only involved in the Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS only for this occasion and thus not to be considered in the overall standing.
Just behind them another Italian: Kevin Gilardoni, 2012 F.Renault 2.0 Italy Champion, who lapped with the GSK Grand Prix car. Once more quick Tereshchenko (5), Iaquinta (7) and Sasahara (8). Among them the Arta Engineering, Swiss driver Darius Oskoui, sixth overall.On track there were not those involved this year also in the Eurocup. Just to mention also the other teams involved there were: BVM Racing (positive feedback for the Giuseppe Mazzotti team from the Italian Dario Capitanio and the Indian Parth Ghorpade), SMP Racing by Koiranen (the Estonian Hans Villemi managed fifth in the morning), Tech 1 Racing, Team Torino Motorsport and TS Corse.