After the GP2 Series post-season test in Abu Dhabi, Daiko Team Lazarus Team Principal, Tancredi Pagiaro responded to numerous rumours that the cars and materials handed over to the Prema Racing Team when they took over were ‘not in good order’, saying that the rumours were “illogical”.
“Claiming that our single-seaters and especially the material were not ‘in good order’ when they were sold to Prema is completely unfounded and also illogical from several points of view,” explained Pagiaro.
“Prema had full knowledge regarding the usage and wear of the different parts as well as the replacement parts since the end of September when the mileage list and every other piece of useful information had been handed over to Prema Team Principal, René Rosin.
Our single-seaters have not been to a workshop since the final European race in Monza because this fully corresponded with our technical schedule regarding maintenance.”
Prema bought the Team Lazarus entry for the 2016 GP2 season earlier this year and tested with the Lazarus cars and equipment at the post-season test at the Yas Marina Circuit.
At the final round in Abu Dhabi, Nathanael Berthon claimed the fastest racing lap and also fought within the Top 4 at one stage. The Frenchman brought home points in the Feature Race despite an engine change between practice and qualifying, and was set for a strong Sunday before damage to the barriers at the second and third corner, caused the cancellation of the Sprint Race.
“We were delighted that drivers like Pierre Gasly and Sergey Sirotkin did not only feel well with our former cars but also set impressive lap times during the collective test sessions in Abu Dhabi,” continued Pagiaro. “This proves how the Dallara-Mécachrome single-seaters with the numbers 26 and 27 are in perfect line with the needs of a Championship of such a high level like the GP Series.”
