BRANDS HATCH TEST BOOST FOR ECOBOOST FORMULA FORD
JTR enjoyed a very positive test with the new EcoBoost at Brands Hatch last week. Photo: www.jakobebrey.com
The successful and positive pre-season Formula Ford testing programme gathered pace at Brands Hatch last week, with several teams putting the new, more powerful and aerodynamically enhanced Formula Ford EcoBoost chassis through its paces.
Three teams were in action, and ex-Formula Ford championship frontrunner Nick Tandy provided valuable benchmark data for the Ford Racing engineers. Tandy’s own JTR team ran a car for its young American hopeful Camren Kaminsky, while the Jamun Racing team tested two new signings. Championship newcomer Falcon Motorsport gave young karter Harrison Scott his first taste of the new Formula Ford.
“It was a very positive test,” said Tandy. “The car surprised me – there was more downforce in the higher-speed corners than I was expecting, which meant more grip and allowed later braking, but in the lower-speed corners the car felt very like the previous generation of Formula Ford. That’s good, because it means that drivers will not be able to rely on the aerodynamics to do the work for them, and that the close racing for which Formula Ford is renowned is set to stay.
“Camren had a good time; he was pleased by the feel of the car and the power on offer, and got on well with the chassis.”
Falcon boss Nick Streatfield added: “Harrison enjoyed his first experience of the car and was quickly up to speed; we were very happy with his performance – he showed good pace, and we will be working hard to develop that further. We are expecting our own chassis from Mygale next week and once we have it, we will be out testing regularly with it.”
Jamun Racing’s James Mundy was enthusiastic about the test: “It was good – both our drivers enjoyed the car, had a good day and gave us good feedback, which included the news that the new chassis has a good balance of aerodynamic and mechanical grip, and that the revised EcoBoost engine is nice and powerful. There were lots of positives.”
Sam Roach, Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship manager, said of the Brands Hatch testing: “It’s very pleasing to have beaten the weather and gained two valuable days worth of track data before the end of February. It means that the Formula Ford teams are getting well ahead of the game, given that there is still well over a month to go before the first rounds of the championship. The positive comments from the drivers also confirm our belief that we have the right car and the drivers are really enjoying their experience of the new Formula Ford EcoBoost 200.”
A number of teams have planned tests at Silverstone and Thruxton next week, with tests at Snetterton to follow.
