Ocean Racing Technology's GP3 drivers experienced a productive couple of days at the test at Valencia's Ricardo Tormo circuit last week, as the series newcomer continues its learning process with the car.
Team leader Kevin Ceccon lies sixth in the standings after the opening two race weekends of the season. The 18-year-old Italian recorded the eighth fastest time of the second day.
“The end result is good and I am satisfied with 8th place,” said the reigning Auto GP champion.
“We worked hard on developing the car and we will continue to do so. We had a few problems that cost us a bit of track time, but these two days were very important for the races ahead of us.”
Irishman Robert Cregan has showed competitively in races since his unprecedented switch from the V8 Supercars Development Series over the winter, finishing 11th in the second Monaco race. He appeared somewhat off the pace over the two days of testing, but seemed happy enough.
“We tried to find the best set-up possible, and we were repaid with good times,” he said. “We learned some things and I am very happy with the progress made over the week.”
Spanish female racer Carmen Jorda has spent her season so far at the back of the field, and was there again during the test but feels she is becoming more competitive.
“The more I am at the wheel, the more I adapt to the car,” said Jorda. “So these sessions were very important. These two days of hard work and reflection enable me to get closer, bit by bit, to the drivers ahead of me. It is important for me to be better every time I get in the car.”
Ocean team bosses Tiago Monteiro and Jose Guedes emphasised the importance of the test as the team tries to make progress in their first season in GP3.
“[The test] was paramount for the drivers, but also for the technical structure because this is the first year the team is taking part in this championship,” they said. “At the end of the day, everyone is happy with the work done and the results obtained. We are on the right track to continue securing good results.”