Romeo Ferraris turns first laps with new ETCR challenger

Romeo Ferraris has completed the first laps on track with the new Alfa Romeo Giulia that will be part of the inaugural ETCR season in 2021.

The car has joined the Hyundai Veloster N and the CUPRA e-Racer for a three-day session at Vallelunga having been fitted with the main electrical components by Williams Advanced Engineering and Magalec, with technical director Mario Ferraris given the honour of completing the initial shakedown run.

Ferraris then kicked off the test proper at the wheel before handing over to Stefano Coletti, who will race the Giulia during the season ahead.

“We are very proud to be part of this historical moment for motorsport, the switch of touring car racing to the electric power,” Ferraris said. “It’s an all-new challenge for our company and we are very motivated to take it up.

“We wish to thank WSC, Williams Advanced Engineering and Magelec for their invaluable support that helped us to design and develop the Giulia. We were able to complete the integration of the ETCR kit without any issues and yesterday when I drove the car for the first time, I was delighted to discover that everything was working.

“On top of this, I was amazed to realise that the car is really fun to drive and also very fast. For me it was kind of rediscovering the touring cars of years ago, with the real-wheel drive… although the engine is very different…”