2012 Formula 3 Open runner-up and part-time 2013 GP2 Series driver Gianmarco Raimondo tested for Super Nova International in the recent Auto GP World Series pre-season test at the Valencia circuit in Spain. The Canadian was due to test for both days but his car was only ready for an installation lap on day one before a full day of running on day two.
Raimondo is hoping the test will lead to a drive with Super Nova for the 2014 Auto GP season alongside the already confirmed Italian Michaela Cerruti. Speaking to the official Auto GP World Series website, Raimondo was happy how the test went on despite only having one full day.
“The work done with the team has been positive,” said Raimondo. “On Day 1 I only made a shake-down to verify that everything was ready. Unfortunately the weather forecast was predicting rain for Day 2’s afternoon so we used all our new tyres in the morning and completed several tests. I’d been on-track for two straight hours, almost a Le Mans stint! After the skies cleared, we then proceeded to some set-up comparisons with encouraging results.
“It’s definitely an incredible car! Really fun to drive, tougher than a GP2 Series car in terms of control and physical strength, but it also require you to be sensible like on a Formula 3 car: you cannot afford to make mistakes. The power is amazing, you feel the 550 horsepower pushing and it’s fantastic. The Kumho tires also last longer than the GP2 ones but also enable you push harder than in Formula 3.”
On the chances of gaining a full time drive with the team in Auto GP, which starts around the streets of Marrakech later in the month, the 23-year-old from St. Catharines in Canada was full of hope.
“We are working really hard on it with my management and family, also thanks to the support of Super Nova. The Auto GP championship will be the best possible choice for my career in this moment, and I hope to leave as soon as possible towards Morocco.”
