With just over two weeks to go to the first race of the 2011 GP2 Series at Istanbul in Turkey all the GP2 teams are heading to Barcelona for the final two days of testing.
Following on from their successful outing at Silverstone two weeks ago, where Racing Engineering’s two drivers Christian Vietoris and Dani Clos finished second and fourth respectively in the combined times from the four sessions, the Spanish team are looking forward to two more profitable days of track time. With the introduction of the 2011 specification Dallara chassis and Pirelli tyres Racing Engineering are treating the testing both as a chance to learn more about the set-up of the cars as well as an opportunity for both drivers to familiarise themselves with the 2011 GP2 package. The 4.65 Km circuit at Montmeló, site of the Spanish GP, is a popular venue for testing and the F1 teams are regularly seen here. It is characterised by several long straights, especially along the start/finish, and it has a variety of different corners. It is also notable for changeable wind conditions during the day which can make developing a good aerodynamic set-up difficult.
Both of Racing Engineering’s drivers are looking forward to the opportunity to gain more kilometres in the 2011 Dallara and even though this will only be the second season for Germany’s Christian Vietoris in GP2 he has already shown he is amongst the fastest drivers in the category and must be considered a serious contender for the 2011 Championship. Similarly the young Spaniard Dani Clos is also a firm pre-season favourite, his victory in the final round of the 2011 GP2 Series at Imola shows he is ready to race and to win. |
