THE F4 STARTS ITS ENGINE.
The first event of the Formula 4 is in full swing and, so far, has been a success. On the Adria International Raceway, today was the day of the debut for the brand-new single-seaters powered by Abarth of the Italian F4 Championship. It looked like there was an actual race going on, instead of a simple test session: all the 8 teams which have entered the Championship were there together with their 16 drivers. They tested the Tatuus T014 in front of the staff of the manufacturer from Concorezzo (I) and the technicians of Abarth, which supplies the 1400cc 414-F4 turbocharged engines that can reach 160 Hp at 5,500rpm. There was also the technical staff of Marelli, the company which produces the electronic equipment of the cars, and of the official suppliers Pirelli (tyres) and Panta, (fuel).
GREAT ATTENTION FRON THE WORLD OF MOTORSPORT.
The importance of this first event of the F.
4 season has had a further recognition by the FIA delegates Frιderic Espinos, Robert Mass and Fabrizio Nosco. There is less than a month left before the beginning of the championship: the season-opener is on schedule on next 8th June. That's way today's tests are particularly important: they will help teams to put the equipment and the drivers to test. Drivers seemed absolutely satisfied with their single-seaters; they also have had the chance to try the Sadev sequential gearbox with a Marelli actuator, which is controlled by the paddle-shift on the steering wheel.
FIRST LAPS AND FIRST TIMES.
Drivers set their first times during the testing session, as a good training for the forthcoming Championship. The fastest driver was the Russian Robert Shwartzman (team Adria by Cram), who drove the 2657 metres of the track in 115525. He made himself consipicuous before his future career on a F.4 single-seater. Also the Italian from Rome Leonardo Pulcini (Euronova Racing) put in an outstanding performance, finishing very close to Shwartzman with 115576. Third the Italian from Milan Andrea Russo (Diegi Motorsport) in 115756, followed by his fellow countryman from Rimini Mattia Drudi (Adria by Cram) in 115809. Good first contact with the F.4 also for the Canadian Lance Stroll (Prema Powerteam), who drove in 115878, ahead of the Brazilian Gustavo Bandeira (Dav Racing), who placed sixth in 116076.
8TH JUNE, FIRST ROUND IN ADRIA.
Tests will continue tomorrow, with teams and drivers which are getting ready for the first round, scheduled on 8th June in Adria. There are 7 rounds in programme, with the last race to be run in Barcelona on 19th October.