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Formula Car Testing with Eurasia Motorsport at Clark International Speedway, Philippines
This vehicle testing would not have been possible without the advice and assistance from David Madgwick of BAM Motorsports Promotions, Mark Goddard, Founder and Team Manager of Eurasia Motorsport and his team including Engineer ‘Berto Bautista and Mechanic ‘RV’ Cosico.
Monday 14 April
Monday afternoon we flew into Clark from Hong Kong to meet Mark Goddard and the crew at Eurasia Motorsport, as well as meeting some of the people behind Tuason Racing who were providing us the use of on track facilities. Seeing the 2 cars in the garage that I was to be driving over the next 2 days was electrifying, seeing the navy blue Formula Pilota and the Lime Green Formula BMW, just made me more eager and keen to drive than ever before. The schedule for Monday afternoon at the Clark circuit was to prepare the cars and myself for driving both cars over the next two days. This started with taking moulds for making custom seat inserts and learning the controls of the cars, before walking the 4Km Circuit with Mark to familiarise myself with the lines in which you can get the best out of the car and track. After settling in with the team for the 2 days ahead, I felt prepared, just as much as eager, to begin testing.
Tuesday 15 April
The first day of testing took place in a Formula BMW, a Mygale chassis powered by a 1200cc BMW motorcycle engine generating 140BHP. This was a step up from the 110BHP Formula Ford I had driven a month earlier. The significant differences with the Formula Ford were the 6 speed sequential gearbox and the mechanical and aero grip from slick racing tyres and down force generated by front and rear wings. The day of testing consisted of 5x 30 minute sessions as well as vehicle data analysis and driver coaching in between the sessions. Marks knowledge and insights were able to quickly identify areas where I could improve to maximise the on track time and to understand the cars handling. The day saw my lap times improve from session to session, and after the demanding 5 sessions were complete, I was feeling more comfortable in the car and ready for the next day’s testing in the Formula Pilota.
Wednesday 16 April
The second day of testing was run in the same format, with 5 sessions of 30 minutes, but the car driven this time was Eurasia’s Formula Pilota. This was again a huge step up from the early 2000’s technology Formula BMW. The Turbocharged Fiat 1400cc engine produced 180BHP at half of the maximum revs of the F.BMW. The extra torque, as well as the narrower, longer and more aero efficient chassis requiring different, more deliberate inputs to keep the car stable. Again, the day brought consistent improvement in lap times as I became comfortable with the car, and clocking up the kilometres helped me negotiate the 18 turns of the 4km Clark International circuit more instinctively as the hours raced by, sadly to an all too soon end.
The near track hotel accommodation was modern and comfortable and the on track facilities were new and well maintained. Air conditioned facilities were provided for session de-briefing and vehicle data analysis and also provided great track viewing.
"The experience to drive international standard Formula cars under the management of a multiple Championship winning team such as Eurasia Motorsport was a privilege. It has just added more desire to pursue my passion for racing and I hope to continue to build on this driving experience as quickly as possible."
Aidan Read ©