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Formula Sprint 2
Japanese Grand Prix
Suzuka International Racing Course
Tuesday 2nd of April 2024 19:00:00
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February 21, 2018

 

Formula Challenge newcomers, McKinlay have expressed their satisfaction with the team's first official test outing.

With race driver Osvaldo Angelone unavailable for test duties, his teammate Dominic Foster was joined by a pair of last-minute reserve signings to complete a full program.

Hungary's Balint Hammer and Pole Michal Nizio were last minute additions to the McKinlay lineup, with Nizio, in particular, focusing on aiding the Scottish outfit with set-up work and evaluation.

Team Principal Ben Williamson addressed the press at the conclusion of the test session;

"We're very happy with how the test went - the field spread looks competitive and I think we held our own nicely while racking up a solid number of laps. I'd like to especially thank Balint and Michal for stepping up for us at such short notice - their contribution has been especially valuable and I think their exceptional work for us during this test should have piqued the attention of a number of other teams."

English racer and FC newcomer, Dominic Foster was also given the nod by Williamson;

"I'm really pleased with where Dominic was able to position himself over the course of the session. I think this is a solid foundation for us to build from - for a new driver, with less than two hours of preparatory track time under his belt, I believe he did a great job."

Hammer ended the session as McKinlay's best-placed driver with a respectable 10th position and having previously sat as high as fourth, while Foster closed out in 28th position in what is closely matched and tight midfield.

Michal Nizio ended his day in 17th position but earned particular praise from the team for both the gains his setup work delivered over the course of the session and how smoothly and professionally he integrated with the outfit in such a short time.

"Our emergency reserve drivers acquitted themselves brilliantly - Balint's pace was especially encouraging and Michal acquitted himself incredibly and I can't overstate the value of his input. As a showcase of what they can offer to Formula Challenge and the wider GPVWC, I don't think they could have done a better job."