Opel Motorsport continues testing of new Astra

Opel Motorsport continues their development programme of the new TCR specification Astra with testing at Estoril, completing around 250 laps.
“It was a good test,” said Opel Motorsport Director Jörg Schrott.

“The timeline is still very tight, but we are on schedule. The Astra TCR ran reliably at the last tests in Zandvoort and Estoril, it’s performing well. Now we’re working on fine-tuning details before the first vehicles are delivered to our customer teams at the end of February.”

The testing is made in cooperation between Opel Motorsport and Kissling Motorsport with emphasis currently put on front axle development.

“On a racing car with around 330 hp and front-wheel drive, this is a key component. All the longitudinal and lateral forces of a TCR car, so in addition to braking and steering this also means acceleration, affect both front wheels. And this is not only about the lap times, it is also about tire wear,” said Opel Motorsport Technical Director Dietmar Metrich.

The new TCR Opel Astra will make its debut in the TCR International Series season start at Bahrain on April 3rd.

“We still have lots of work ahead of us before our TCR debut. But I’m already looking forward to the coming season. The TCR is exactly what the teams and fans want. Thrilling, breathtakingly close motorsport featuring cars the spectators can identify with. This approach is a surefire success,” said Schrott.