08.03.2010 - Update

Testing In Preparation for the Coming Season

So far I've done three tests in the new Formula 3 car. Two at Silverstone and one at Snetterton. In my very first test I didn't get much track time due to track stoppages  – It was wet and gloomy in the morning when went out for the first time. It was very hard to gauge the car in the wet because, in comparison to the dry, the feel of the car is completely different and the grip levels are pretty well non-existent. However in the afternoon I did get a few laps in the dry on slicks. This is when it really opened my eyes and made me realise this is no ordinary car. It's more like a mini Formula One car.

At the following Silverstone test I just did the afternoon sessions due to the fact that we had spend the morning getting hold of and fitting a new fire extinguisher to the car as my dad had accidentally set off the old one!!! Oops!

In the afternoon the track was dry but a very strong cold wind meant that track times were slower than normal for everyone testing. I spent the afternoon driving round and round, practising left foot braking (like the old days when I was karting), changing up the sequential gearbox using the cut off switch and going down the gearbox without using the clutch. All of these things small but crucial differences from driving the jedi. The most significant thing I learnt throughout the day was how precise the car is and how much aero grip there is.  By the end of the day I was starting to feel more at one with the car and all of these little changes in driving technique were beginning to feel more second nature to me.

The Snetterton test started off well, with clear blue skies and some sunshine. This automatically put me in a good mood. I knew this meant I would at last get some proper dry running! I managed to get out for all four 30 minute sessions. The first session I only did three laps due to what I thought was an engine problem but it actually turned out to be the engine running slightly too cool. This triggered the engine management system to apply full choke with consequent rough running. The second session I spent building up pace and getting tuned back into the car again, exploring the torque range of the Honda Mugen engine and grip level of the slick tyres. Throughout the session my confidence in the car grew and my times came tumbling down.

During the third session I experimented with altering my driving style to accelerate up-to the apex as the car is so precise and sharp (it isn't like the Jedi where it would under-steer if you were too hard on turn in). This car is on rails!

In the final session of the day I started to string it all together. I was determined to be ballsy in the flat stuff, stay committed and let the aero work for me. I was trying to be much harder on turn in, accelerating up to the apex. I was also trying to leave my braking till much later. The brakes are so efficient in this car you can really get the car to stand on its nose very late.

After three very valuable test days I am now aiming to knock my times down to front running times at the next Silverstone test in two weeks. I’m pushing to be around the front of the grid for the opening round at Silverstone on the first weekend in April!