Gianmarco Raimondo got his first taste of Auto GP machinery this year when he tested with Norfolk-based team Super Nova.
The Canadian racer tested alongside the already signed Michele Cerruti and Markus Pommer, the latter of whom only announced his Auto GP commitments today.
See also: “Pommer joins Super Nova for Marrakech Auto GP assault” (April 6th, 2014)
Running only on the second day, the some time GP2 Series and former European F3 Open racer commented that: “In Day 1, I only made a shake-down to verify that everything was ready. Unfortunately the weather forecast was predicting rain for Day 2’s afternoon, so we used all our new tyres in the morning and completed several tests.”
If nothing else, the situation ensured Raimondo was not merely sitting around, as he noted afterward. “I’ve been on-track for two straight hours – almost a Le Mans stint! After the skies cleared, we then proceeded to some set-up comparisons with encouraging results.”
With a measure of GP2 and Formula 3 experience behind him, Raimondo allowed himself the opportunity to make some brief comparisons of the technology. “It’s definitely an incredible car! Really fun to drive, tougher than a GP2 Series car in terms of control and physical strength, but it also require you to be sensible like on a Formula 3 car: you cannot afford to make mistakes.”
He added, “The power is amazing, you feel the 550 horsepower pushing and it’s fantastic. The Kumho tires also last longer than the GP2 ones but also enable you push harder than in Formula 3.”
Having yet to commit to programme, the 23-year-old is busy building on his options ahead of the 2014 season. According to a hopeful Raimondo, “We are working really hard on it with my management and family, also thanks to the support of Super Nova. The Auto GP championship will be the best possible choice for my career in this moment, and I hope to leave as soon as possible towards Morocco”
The opening round of the 2014 Auto GP season takes place in Marrakech over the weekend of April 11th – 13th.
