Steele sits in an F2 car during his seat fitting
Kent-based driver Aaron Steele will test at Formula Two car next week – his prize of a dominant season in the MSV F3 Cup during 2011.
Steele will take part in the series' official winter test at the Circuit de Catalunya that starts on December 13. A seat fitting – at Bedford Autodrome last month – will ensure Steele in comfortable in the cockpit but the 22-year-old admits he faces some new challenges.
“There’s going to be a few things to quickly get on top of as the car is a bit more advanced than the F3 car I have been accustomed to racing this year. For starters I will have to left foot brake and there is a hand clutch with paddles to change gear.”
However, he adds; “This shouldn’t be too much of a challenge as I had to quickly adapt to this when I tested the A1GP car back in 2008, although it will still be a lot different to what I’m used to.”
The F2 car he will test produces 425 horsepower, rising to 500 on the car's overboost – a feature Steele says he will enjoy, but the additional power compared to the his regular 2011 car will bring additional physical strain he has been training to cope with.
“I am preparing as hard as I can for what will sure be a very demanding drive, with the increase levels of downforce compared to the F3 car I am used to. Particularly I have been focusing on my neck and doing all I can to build that up so it will cope with the increased loads.”
Steele won 14 of the 18 races over the course of the F3 Cup season and now the opportunity to test alongside F2 regulars gives Steele the chance to impress, on the track that hosts the Spanish Grand Prix.
“After watching F1 race at Barcelona on TV for many years I’m really looking forward to actually getting the opportunity to drive it myself,” he said. “It looks to be a real good mix between tight technical corners and fast flowing ones, I can’t wait to take on the challenge and my aim is to stamp my authority during the day, to send out a clear message of Intent.”
