Multiple touring car champion Gabriele Tarquini got his first taste of the new Honda Civic S2000 at Vallelunga in Italy earlier this week.
“It’s funny, but although I had not driven the new Civic before, when I sat in it for the first time I immediately felt I was inside a Honda car. The car is precise and the engine feels great, but this is just the first track test, so there is so much more for us to work on,” said Tarquini.
The Honda has been built by JAS Motorsport with support, mainly on the engine-side, from Honda Motorsport, Mugen Power and Honda R&D.
“To see the Civic on the race track is an extremely emotional moment for the whole team. I am so proud of everyone, as they have managed to accomplish so much in such a short period of time. Everyone has been working tirelessly for this day to happen and the new car and engine are no less than our expectations,” said Alessandro Mariani, Team Principal of Honda Racing Team JAS.
The team is going to complete two more test days in Europe before heading to Asia for the debut WTCC race at Suzuka in Japan.
“The initial track testing has already provided us with a lot of feedback and data, but the road to Suzuka in October remains a long one,” said Mariani.
Tiago Monteiro was present during the test at Vallelunga as well, running a few laps, after completing the first shakedown at Vairano earlier this week.
