On January 27–29 SMP Racing pilots in collaboration with Michelin performed tests of the LMP2 prototypes on the Portuguese Autódromo do Estoril. Sergey Zlobin, Nicolas Minassian, Maurizio Mediani, Viktor Shaitar, Kirill and Anton Ladygin took part in this test session.
Rainy weather, which is rather untypical for this season in the south eastern part of Portugal, made adjustments to the initial plans of testing slick and rain tyres. A lot of attention was paid to the test of rain tyres as the settled rain, which was sometimes turning into downpour, did not allow testing the slicks. However, unfavourable weather conditions gave the pilots a great possibility to gain the essential experience of driving on the wet track. The pilots showed good results during the tests.
Michelin representatives, who were also present, noted not only the success of the tests but also the importance of the acquired information which is essential for further development of the rain tyres for the prototype. This information and test results were sent for further consideration to the factory situated together with the company’s headquarters in Clermont-Ferrand.
During the test sessions the crew met the new SMP Racing pilot Nicolas Minassian, multiple Le Mans and also British and French Formula 3 winner. Nicolas became a part of the team straight away and participated in the tests of the prototype.
Next test sessions will be held in the beginning of February at the international Algarve Motordrome situated in Portimão region. SMP Racing plans to focus its major attention during the next session on testing slick tyres.
