Kuno Wittmer back from testing at Barcelona
FOLLOWING A TEST DAY AT MID-OHIO IN COMPASS RACING MCLAREN 570S GT4, TESTED 2 DAYS WITH MCLAREN AUTOMOTIVE AT BARCELONA
During a phone conversation, Kuno gave us some details about the testing that took place at Mid-Ohio. “The test was a chance for us to prepare for our next race in a couple of weeks at Mid-Ohio and also to learn more about the McLaren 570S GT4 has we received the new car just before Daytona and we did not have a chance to put proper mileage on the car. We ran different set-up configurations and overall we are very happy with what we have learned. On top of that we wanted to understand the Michelin tires better has we were running on Continental last season. We were fortunate to have McLaren engineers from the Factory present with us as well to assist our team engineer during the test. Since the team was also running the new McLaren 720S GT3 with my co-driver in the Michelin Pilot Challenge Paul Holton, I was at the wheel of the GT4 for the entire test day.”
Then Kuno flew to Barcelona as part of his development and had the chance to work with McLaren’s engineers for two days on the Formula 1 track.
“It was a 2-day test with the Factory driving the GT4. In signing the contract, this is what I was looking forward to. The opportunity to work with a manufacturer again as I did previously when I was contracted to BMW and Chrysler. It was my first time driving this Barcelona circuit and I can tell you the speed you carry in the GT4 in the first 2-3 corners is quite impressive. I shared the car with one of the McLaren junior driver. We were not running on Michelin but the goal of the test was for me to get more seat time. At the same time, McLaren took advantage during the two days to test components on the car.
Kuno flew back home and, a couple of days after, went to CTMP (Canadian Tire Motorsport Park) to add one more test day to his tally. “I was back at the wheel of Compass Racing McLaren 570S GT4 for a 1-day test. This was in preparation for the coming race at CTMP but most importantly more seat time and testing components once more.”
Kuno continues: “Overall the busy test schedule we had was really for me to get more seat time. This is something I had asked prior to Daytona. Yes, we won Daytona but it is not a track as technical as other tracks we are to compete at this season.”
Being a Factory driver involves coaching as well. Kuno will travel to VIR next week to help out drivers Karl Thompson and Jarett Andretti who shares a ride in the Blancpain GT World Challenge America driving a McLaren 540S GT4 in the GT4 AM Sprint X category.
Then back to Mid-Ohio the following weekend for the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.
Image: PMstills Photography
