The Pure ETCR series’ preparations for its inaugural season has taken a step forward with the successful completion of a pre-season ‘stress test’ at the Vallelunga Circuit. The test simulated key elements of a race weekend, including Battle races, weekend recharging procedures and other operational elements.
Xavier Gavory, Pure ETCR series director, said, “It was a very intensive day for everyone involved and is the culmination of a lot of hard work by our organization team as well as our partners, suppliers and competitors. It was paramount to have this run-through to validate the processes we’ve planned – many of which are extremely innovative. To see cars from all three of our manufacturers released from the starting gate and constantly overtaking each other in intense battle simulation was a very satisfying moment.”
Race simulations were completed using the starting gate, which replaces traditional starting lights at every race, and the series’ push-to-pass system was also trialled in a multicar scenario.
The energy station charging system also made its operational debut, with cars being recharged in situ throughout the day using a combination of hydrogen generators and chargers.
Hyundai Motorsport was represented by race drivers Augusto Farfus, Jean-Karl Vernay and John Filippi while Stefano Coletti was the sole competitor taking part for Romeo Ferraris. Cupra Racing split driving duties between Mattias Ekström, Jordi Gené and Mikel Azcona.
WSC president Marcello Lotti said, “We have been really pleased with this test, as we saw that the work we have done so far was validated at Vallelunga. We will continue to fine-tune every detail, of course, but the innovative event format created by Eurosport Events will definitely entertain and thrill the fans once we hit the track for real in June.
“The test showed that performance of the different cars is comparable,” he continued, “which we know will lead to thrilling wheel-to-wheel racing. With the technical success of this ‘stress test’ we are further convinced that we are working with some very professional and creative people with the mission of developing electric vehicle technologies for motorsport.”
