Charlie Robertson and Bradley Smith have both heaped praise on Ginetta’s new G57 prototype, which was launched at the Autosport International Show on Thursday (14th January).
Both drivers have been involved in the development work on the G57, which is an evolution of Ginetta’s existing LMP3 prototype which won the European Le Mans Series title last season.
New Ginetta factory driver Robertson, who won the LMP3 crown last year, says the new prototype has a raft of improvements that has pushed it to LMP2 levels of pace.
“It’s an incredible car and a significant step on from the LMP3 car,” the 19 year old told TCF.
“It looks similar visually, but it’s a refined upgrade, with a big step forward with a new floor, new rear wing, more power and different data systems.
“It’s been great to drive it and develop it across the couple of days I’ve done so far, and I can’t wait to get back out in it again soon.”
Smith has had one day behind the wheel so far at Silverstone meanwhile, and he says the 580bhp G57 compares favourably to the Chevrolet Prototype he raced in the Daytona 24 Hours in 2014.
“It is a really good car. The sheer amount of power and grip that the car has got is incredible,” said the three-time Radical champion.
“In all honesty it feels like it’s got as much power as the Daytona Prototype. It’s light, but it’s also got great aero grip so you can roll that speed into the corners and it hangs on. The traction control is fantastic, so you can really drive it aggressively. It’s an impressive beast.”
As well as the speed from the Chevrolet-sourced LS3 6.3L V8 engine, Smith was also impressed with the immediate reliability of the new car, which also utilises an Xtrac gearbox and an unrestricted aerodynamics package.
The G57 is eligible for sportscar competition across the globe, with sales already confirmed for America and entries planned for the VdeV Endurance Series, and Smith feels it will be popular with both pro and am drivers.
“What stood out with the Ginetta is that as soon as we left the pitlane, we could just go round all day without any problems, with 90 minute stints at a time,” Smith added.
“I think the reliability is going to be a really strong point, which is going to be great for teams testing the car and then racing in endurance events.
“It’s quite an easy car to drive considering how fast it is, so for the gentleman driver it is perfect, but there’s still the element that if you have a pro driver they can really make the most of it.”
