Gabriele Tarquini posts interesting lap times in first public outing for Hyundai

Gabriele Tarquini was the first to take the new Hyundai i30 N TCR on track in today’s test session for the Misano 24 Hours. The Italian posted some interesting lap times, considering the conditions under which the car is running.

After an installation lap, the i30 was brought back to the garage for some sensor checks. The car is equipped with instruments capable of measuring the temperature of driveshafts, differential, brake discs and much more. Most of these sensors will not be needed in the version the customers will receive, as they are only useful in the development phase.

The car was sent out for a 10-lap stint, which was aimed at checking a new brake cooling system. Despite Tarquini claiming he would not be looking at lap times today, he did post times which were quick and consistent. His pace was very similar to Pit Lane Competizioni’s Nicola Baldan race pace when he won the TCR Italy race one month ago at the same track.

The car is looked after on track by former TCR Italy runner-up team BRC Racing. The team are collaborating with Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing to handle the development of the car on track, forming a combined team for the on-track phases of the project.

“The car is running smoothly,” said Tarquini after the stint. “The most important thing though is we are testing different solutions to adapt the car to the different conditions, and I’m satisfied with the way it went in these hot conditions.”

“(With track temperatures of almost 50° and air temperature over 30°), the i30 N TCR was able to post consistent lap times, which is what really matters to us. Of course I do miss the competition and, being a racing driver, when I got out of the car and saw the lap times I have to say I was quite happy with them.”

The current session will continue until 17:00, after a 90-minute free practice session will provide further development opportunities for Hyundai.