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RML shakedown 2009 spec Lola Coupe
Friday, 6 February 2009 Marcus Potts 2 Comments
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New regulations mean changes to the Mazda powered LMP2
Sub-zero temperatures and
overnight snow were not enough to deter RML AD Group from carrying out a first
shakedown of the team’s new Mazda-powered Lola B08/80 LMP2 Coupé. The two-day
test at Snetterton was also an opportunity to finalise the car’s revised livery
for the 2009 season, with Mazda’s distinctive corporate blue now a significant
element of the familiar colour scheme. The long-range forecast had
threatened heavy snow for both days, but the team’s faith was rewarded with at
least one perfect day. Wednesday was dry and bright, although bitterly cold, and
Brazilian Thomas Erdos managed sessions in both the morning and afternoon.
“Under the circumstances, we achieved some very good running, and the car looks
gorgeous!” he said. “It was too cold to get any real warmth into the tyres, and
they never felt as if they were biting the road, but we learned a great deal
about the car. Now I’m just looking forward to being allowed to run at full
throttle,” he grinned.In addition to the new Mazda
2-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine, the car is also running the
new-for-2009 aerodynamic package, revealed last week by Lola. “My experience
with the engine has been very reassuring indeed,” observed Erdos. “It feels very
responsive, picks up power earlier than the old engine, and then kicks out more
torque. Bearing in mind we run a smaller restrictor this year, that’s very
encouraging and a very positive first impression.”
Overnight snow and
early-morning fog reduced Thursday to a half-day, with no running possible until
half-one. “The conditions were very difficult, and we were forced to curtail the
second day, but over the two days we’ve learned a lot about the new car, the
engine and the modifications we’ve introduced over the winter, explained Team
Manager Phil Barker. “It’s been very productive, and good to have this shakedown
opportunity ahead of our next full test in a few weeks’ time, when we’ll
hopefully have the benefit of warmer conditions.” Recovering from a viral
infection, AD Group CEO Mike Newton was unable to drive, but attended the test.
“We have had a very encouraging first run with what is effectively a new car,”
he said. “Due to the conditions, we were unable to complete all our planned
running, but what we did accomplish was enough to resolve several preliminary
installation issues, and make it a very worthwhile test.”
The team was particularly
grateful to the circuit staff. “The guys at Snetterton were fantastic,” said
Thomas Erdos. “They had the tractor out and brushed the entire circuit, and over
the last two days they’ve worked so hard to make the track user-friendly. They
tackled snow and ice and they made every effort to ensure the track was safe to
drive. I’ve only got the highest praise for them. Fantastic.”
Mazda LOLA back in testing
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