Roberto Merhi gets into the top-10 in testing
Just two weeks after the previous round held at Spa-Francorchamps, the World Series by Renault championship and Pons Racing were back on-track in really hot weather at Budapest for the fourth round of 2015. After Renault Sport decided to cancel the rule mandating the teams to use the low downforce configuration in half of the session, teams and drivers had the chance to work in their ideal trim throughout the whole day.
The Spanish squad’s two drivers, Indonesian Philo Paz Patrick Armand and Roberto Merhi lined-up for two practice sessions today on the 4.3-kilometer Hungaroring venue. The Indonesian was able to score the 15th fastest lap of the afternoon session, while the Spaniard rounded out the top-10 during the morning activities. Tomorrow, the Pons Racing stable will be back on-track for the first qualifying session and race of the weekend.
Philo Paz Patrick Armand (#39) Test 1: P18 1’33”572 – Test 2: P14 1’31”264
Roberto Merhi (#40) Test 1: P10 1’32”143 – Test 2: P16 1’31”470
Emilio De Villota, Team Manager
“I’m really proud of the steps that Armand is taking. Despite the fact that he is the only driver without any previous race experience at this circuit, he proved to be on par with his rivals. And considering he made a mistake in the third sector of his fastest lap, I think we have lots of potential yet to be used in qualifying. Also, we’re working hard on Merhi’s car, trying to solve the issues that Roberto is experiencing”.
Saturday: Qualifying 1 8:30 – Race 1 11:45
Sunday: Qualifying 2 8:30 – Race 2 13:00