| Sunday, March 07, 2010 12:00PM |
"The test went very well, not only for me and the team, but for the series as well collecting a lot of data", Rossi commented. "For a new car and changing track conditions I'm really impressed with the amount of reliability and technical support over the two days. The whole ART team was flawless, I' m very thankful for the confidence both Frederic and Nicolas have in my abilities, and quite confident I'll deliver for them. The expectations are high and should be, as I have a job to do."
GP3 drivers were able to test their adaptation to both a new car and changing circuit conditions. The first of four sessions was in the wet, then turning to dry as the day progressed. For drivers, team and series everything was new, however; the experience of the series delivered reliability of cars, enabling everyone to log the necessary kilometers and collect important data.
Frédéric Vasseur, Team Principal ART: "This has been a really positive first test session for us, but also for GP3 in general. Our cars have been consistently reliable throughout the two days, and we have covered a significant amount of kilometres, gathering invaluable data to move forward. After watching the cars on track these past two days I think it's safe to say that we have a great season of racing ahead of us."
"Competing in GP2 Asia has prepared me well", Rossi added. "In terms of driving style, there is little difference between GP2 and GP3, however in terms of pace and overall performance, there is a big difference. I adapted very quickly to the Pirelli tire and my experience in GP2 with the Bridgestone's this season has proved crucial in my preparations. This test further proved the good decisions we have made for 2010."
For more information about multiple championship winning team, ART Grand Prix, log onto: www.art-grandprix.com
The standardized GP3 car is fitted on a Dallara chassis with a non assisted rack and pinion steering system and Brembo brakes. The Renault 4 cylinder, 2 litre, turbo charged engine has a 6 speed sequential Hewland gearbox. The real surprise is Pirelli Motorsports re-entry into open wheel racing as the announcement was made that they would be the official tire supplier, a different direction from the Bridgestone tires of the GP2 series.
2010 is the inaugural year for GP3 Series, commencing with a strong foundation managed by series organizer Bruno Michel, as a direct feeder into the GP2 and Formula 1. Both GP2 and GP3 will launch their season opener in May alongside Formula 1 at the Spanish Grand Prix being held in Barcelona, Spain. For more information about GP3 Series log onto: www.gp3series.com
Rossi now heads to Bahrain for final round of GP2 Asia Championship this weekend, supporting 2010 opening round of Formula 1 World Championship at Bahrain International Circuit, March 12 -14.
More information can be found regarding Alexander Rossi at; www.alexanderrossi.com, contact Team Rossi Motorsports, LLC; pete@teamrossimotorsports.com.
Alexander Rossi 2010 Partners include; CS&A, Alaska Coffee Roasting, North Miami Travel, Intervision, Norlie International, Meyers Investment Group, Racing Legends Motorsports, National Breast Cancer Foundation, Sierra Timberline, Century Equipment Company, Alan K. Wong M.D., Performance Drink, Emagine Design, AlpineStars, McSweeney and Associates, John Deere Credit, Real Life Fitness, Grass Valley Sign and G. Russell Enterprises.
Alexander Rossi in 40 Seconds: From 102 formula car starts, 18-year old Alexander has netted 34 wins, 51 podiums, 32 poles and current win percentage of 33.33%. 2009 BMW / Sauber F1 Team, Jerez Spain Testing, 2009 International Formula Master Rookie Champion, 4th overall and 3 wins. 2008 Formula BMW World Final Winner and 2008 Formula BMW Americas Champion with 11 wins 10 poles and 11 fastest laps. Rossi holds Formula BMW America series record with 14 wins to his credit and 11 pole positions. 2007 Formula BMW USA Championship Alexander finished 3rd in overall in points with 3 wins and 5 podiums.
