LADA Sport Lukoil are undergoing their second track test of the year, at Magny-Cours again, from Monday to Thursday. The team are focusing on race set-up and checking the car’s technical systems.
On Monday morning, the melting snow on the tarmac limited the activity of James Thompson and Aleksei Dudukalo to a few laps only.
The team had more luck on Tuesday and Wednesday, when dry conditions offered the opportunity of having an intense testing schedule.
Thompson commented: “We tried some fundamental things that were a step in the right direction. One of the Granta’s strong points is the small size that results in a good drag. Potentially, if we are able maximize this, we can achieve excellent top speed. The car is also very nimble in the changes of directions and slow corners. So far the overall impression is positive, but we have some more interesting technical solutions to try.”
Dudukalo said: “It was my first time in the car and also my first visit to Magny-Cours. I really liked the Granta. Is a pretty fast car and reactive to the adjustments. I managed to adjust it to my driving style, and felt the changes. So it makes me confident. That was also my first time with my new racing engineer Arnaud Elizagaray and I enjoyed working with him and the team.”
Team principal Victor Shapovalov concluded: “I can say that we have learnt a lot about the car’s performance. Now we are focusing on the set-up.”