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Owens P4 in RS01 Collective Test at Motorland

Alcañiz, Spain – Raoul Owens took to the track at Motorland Aragon this week for the first collective test of the 2016 Renault Sport Trophy (RS01) finishing fourth fastest overall.

The 2-day test was Raoul’s first opportunity to drive alongside Kevin Korjus for the R-ace GP team, formerly known as the ART Junior Team. This allowed for great teamwork between the two drivers and their engineer in understanding the balance of the car and its on-track performance around the undulating Spanish circuit. Raoul was particularly strong in Sectors 1 and 3, while Kevin was faster in Sector 2.

On Tuesday (Day 1), a rain shower hampered the lap times of all drivers during the morning session. As the track dried ahead of the lunch break, slicks were the tyre of choice for the afternoon and Raoul exchanged best lap times in the Top 3 as the track rubbered in.

On Wednesday (Day 2), conditions were dry and notoriously windy. The cars of Strakka Racing and Equipe Verschuur proved to be pace setters, while Raoul and his teammate were within +0.2s of the best lap of the test.

Reflecting on the test, Raoul said, “I’m happy with how the test went. Yesterday (Day 1) was a learning day for me and for most of today we were P2 on the timesheets.

Yesterday was my first time at Motorland Aragon, and so it was all about getting used to track, but because it was wet in the morning it was hard to get into a routine. Today I had a lot more track time and the more I drove, the more I learnt. We were in the top three for most of the day.

Paired with Korjus – a former GP3 Series and Formula Renault 3.5 driver – Raoul is confident the duo provide a strong foundation for their team and their 2016 season.

“He’s a good teammate. He’s done a lot of racing before and he is a good benchmark for me. We’ve both got good things to learn from each other, and I think we’re equal in potential. I’m happy because I know he will deliver at every track and we’ll have good data to compare with each other.”

The next collective test takes place at Estoril on 30-31 April, and as the only driver to have tested at the Portuguese circuit in the RS01, Raoul will quickly be up to speed and looking to set the pace.

23rd March 2016

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