First day of testing in Valencia - ART out in front
16.03.2008 - The first day of official Formula 3 Euro Series testing saw three drivers of the ART team out in front. German driver Nico Hülkenberg was the fastest to lap the circuit in Valencia, Spain with a time of 1.28.696 minutes. Frenchman Jules Bianchi was only 0.013 seconds slower in second place. Briton James Jakes lapped the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in 1.29.063 minutes and occupied third spot.
In pleasant conditions with temperatures ranging around 22 degrees, the first aim for the teams was to get to terms with their new cars and to find the right set-up. This went largely trouble-free throughout the day, which allowed the teams to complete their testing programme as planned. Especially in the afternoon, there weren’t many drivers out anymore.
Nico Hülkenberg (ART): “Being back in the car and being quick is nice. However, the times achieved here don’t mean very much. I am happy when I am on top in qualifying at Hockenheim.”
Jules Bianchi (ART): “The morning session was good and went without trouble. I already knew the track having raced here with Formula Renault last year. I mainly worked on adapting my driving style. Finding the right line wasn’t particularly easy today as the wind was very strong.”
James Jakes (ART): “I am very happy with this test day. Like all the others, we still have a lot of work to do, but we are on the right way. Today, getting back into the rhythm was my main goal. I am looking forward to tomorrow and to the Estoril test.”
> Result test session 1
> Result test session 2
> Result test session 1+2 kombiniert