NEWS

Michelin Misano test Report

Earlier in the week, we discussed briefly the tests conducted by Michelin at Misano. We can now tell you more about these tests, also with photos. Over the last two years, Michelins tyre tests have taken place in Spain and then Portugal. This week however, the track of choice is Misano in Italy. Corvette Motorsport arrived there with several engineers and the C6R chassis from Selleslagh Racing (SRT). The was outfitted in temporary 2010 GT1 specifications. The "temporary settings" were implemented in preparation for the new aero and engine package. The car was tested with the assistance of Corvette Racings (factory) driver Oliver Gavin.

This included added weight as well as additional modifications to the cars rear wing (lower) and other aero mods. No less than 35 engineers and mechanics joined at the Misano for four days. In total all teams combined went through 2,000 tyres. From Tuesday until Friday, eight cars took to the track for all types of tests.

Maserati as well as aston martin tested their car as well, with no reported problems. In GT2, Gimmi
Bruni and Jaime Melo piloted a 2010 test F430, while Marc Lieb and Jorg Bergmeister took command of the 997 GT3 RSR led by Porsche. In LMP, Audi and Peugeot attended with the R15 and 908. The R15 was driven by Allan McNish, Tom Kristensen and Dindo Capello, while Franck Montagny, Stephane Sarrazin and Marc Gene took turns in the 908. In LMP2, only an Acura ARX-01b was on track (making its first EU appearance) with Danny Watts, David Brabham and Nick Leventis driving. The car could make its European debut in 2010.

The teams and drivers as well as the Michelin staff endured a mixed week of weather conditions. During these four days, different and changing conditions allowed the teams to compete on the dry and wet Michelins. Apart from the weather, Michelin also provided two water tanker trucks so that no matter the weather, they could test in the wet.

Overall the test was consistent with the engineers analysists of the new 2010 specs and should have the new 2010 package for the C6R fully ready and outfitted soon. More news will be coming through the pipeline during this crucial off season before 2010s new FIA series.