First track test for Lada Sport Lukoil

The LADA Sport Lukoil team hit the track for the first time in view of the 2013 WTCC season. On Monday and Tuesday, James Thompson completed his first pre-season tests in the LADA Granta at Magny-Cours, France.

The British driver tested the new engine and race set up solutions, completing 70 laps of the French circuit.

“I am very satisfied with the speed and performance of the car and the steps forward that have been taken since our long test in August. I think we have worked very hard with our LADA Granta to maximize its strengths and minimize any weak points. In particular we focused on the chassis balance and speed on the long straights, and moved a step forward compared to the car we had one year ago. It is quite important, as the championship visits many high speed circuits. This updated variant of the car gives hopes for better overall performance, especially in the race. Now we should focus on further improvements and I am eager to test new evolutions of the Granta,” Thompson said.

Team Principal Victor Shapovalov echoed: “It was important to estimate the performance of the car after all the improvements we made. The car was seriously developed in terms of aerodynamics, speed, drivability. James’ feedback is crucial for us to understand in which areas we need some more improvement.”

The LADA Sport Lukoil team will test again at Magny-Cours from 25 to 28 February, when Thompson will be joined by his new team-mate and Aleksei Dudukalo.