Team NASAMAX
Post Test Day Testing 09.06.03

On the most relaxed day of race week (Monday), Team NASAMAX Chief Engineer Brian Ireland took time out to explain what has been happening since the test weekend, and what this week holds.

“When we got back from the test weekend, we went to Millbrook for testing. John (McNeil) did the driving, and we concentrated mainly on engine work, focusing on trying out different spark plugs and doing some wastegate-mapping. We also finalised the aerodynamic set-up. The front end is usually harder to pull downforce on, so we set that up first and then made wing adjustments based on those settings.”

Brian’s Le Mans experience goes back to the ‘80s when he was a director at Tiga. He would help out with customer cars, and then in 1989 was present with a works car. He returned in 2001 with the Ascari. Is he able to draw much on his experience with that car? “Having Werner’s feedback is very helpful and the Ascari’s behaviour through the turns is a good reference point. The major difference of course is that in 2001 the Ascari ran on Goodyears, while the Reynard will be on Michelins.”

Brian’s timetable for the next three days is reasonably relaxed. “Today (Monday) we’ll be taking off the race parts and replacing them with qualifying parts. We ran in the parts for the race at Millbrook, and we’ll pop them back on Friday, alongside the race engine. We’re race ready. After that we’ll be making sure the car is immaculate for scrutineering tomorrow. We go through at 9.30, so we’ll have the afternoon to recalibrate settings” (the team is running slightly softer springs than at the test weekend), “and then we’ll run a 100% systems check. On Wednesday, prior to qualifying, we’ll be focusing on pitstop practice and driver changes - particularly with Werner.”

Brian knows what the car is capable of and he has set his targets. Wednesday and Thursday will determine if the rest of his week remains relaxed.

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