Carlin World Series drivers get reacquainted with Silverstone
03 July 2009Carlin Formula Renault 3.5 rookies Jaime Alguersuari and Oliver Turvey had their first taste of the Silverstone track in a World Series car today, as both drivers took part in free practice today at the Northamptonshire circuit. Red Bull racer and F1 reserve driver Alguersuari finished the day seventh quickest, while Turvey saw his progress seriously hampered by a technical glitch in the second session.
Having won both races in British F3 at Silverstone last year, Turvey is confident of a good result at his home World Series race this weekend. The Racing Steps Foundation driver was second quickest in the morning session on old tyres, and made a number of positive set up changes ahead of the second session this afternoon.
Team mate Alguersuari also made some improvements to his car, putting in the seventh best time of the afternoon and of the day - which also made him the second quickest rookie around the Silverstone GP track.
Having been second on the time sheets for the majority of the afternoon session, Turvey was just about to go out for a new tyre run, when he was unable to select first gear leaving him stranded in the garage. Caused by an overheating problem in the gear box, the problem was frustratingly only temporary, but prevented Turvey from demonstrating his true pace while his peers took to the track on new rubber.
Reflecting on the test, Turvey said, "It was really frustrating to have the problem with the gear box in the second practice, as I'd been second quickest before everyone switched to new tyres. Unfortunately I couldn't select first to go back out on my new tyres. Its no-ones fault, but its disappointing we didn't get chance to show how quick we were this afternoon. We showed in the first session this morning that we've got a good car here, and it's a track I feel very comfortable at. I'm still feeling very confident about qualifying tomorrow though."
Turvey and Alguersuari will return to the track for qualifying 0900 tomorrow morning local time.