Positive debut for F.4 in Adria

The Adria International Raceway has staged the first day of collective testing of the Italian F.4 Championship powered by Abarth. Shwartzman (RUS – Adria by Cram) has been the quickest of the 16th drivers present. Season opener in Adria next 8 June.

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Adria (RO) 16/05/2014 – The debut of Formula 4 has been successful at Adria International Raceway. The track debut day of the newly born car that will enliven the Italian Championship powered by Abarth seemed like a racing event, with the first 8 teams entered in the Italian championship and their 16 drivers testing the Tatuus T014. The staff of the manufacturer from Concorezzo (MB) was present as well as Abarth's technicians to take care of the 414-F4 1400cc over-charged engine unit capable of 160bhp at 5500 rpm. The technical staff was completed by Marelli's technicians – the company providing the electronics of the car – Pirelli's that is the tires supplier and those of the fuel distributor Panta.
The importance of this first exit has been further highlighted by the presence of FIA delegates Fréderic Espinos, Robert Mass and Fabrizio Nosco. With less than a month to go to the opening race, scheduled on this very same circuit of Adria next 8 June, the test just held turn out to be quite important as initial shakedown of the material and to get drivers acquainted with it. Drivers have been quite satisfied by the new challengers and had to get to know the sequential gearbox Sadev with electric shift by Marelli and flapping paddle at the wheel.
The clock finally gave the most awaited verdict by all drivers. The quickest lap has been put in by the Russian Robert Shwartzman (team Adria by Cram) who completed the loop around the 2657 meters of the circuit in 1'15"525, coming to the fore ahead of his future in F.4 racing. Interesting times also for the driver from Rome Leonardo Pulcini (Euronova Racing), who was very close to Shwartzman in 1'15"576. The Milanese driver Andrea Russo (Diegi Motorsport) followed them with a quickest lap of 1'15"756, followed by Rimini's Mattia Drudi (Adria by Cram) in 1'15"809. Good day also for the Canadian Lance Stroll (Prema Powerteam), who lapped in 1'15"878, ahead of the Brazilian Gustavo Bandeira (Dav Racing), who was sixth in 1'16"076.

Testing will continue today with teams and drivers that will keep their preparation work ahead of the opener. The championship will kick off next 8 June from Adria for a calendar featuring 7 rounds, with final racing weekend scheduled in Barcelona next 19 October.