INTERNATIONALS COMPLETE FIRST S5000 LAPS AT WINTON

Giancarlo Fisichella completed his first S5000 laps at Winton today – Photo: Supplied

Giancarlo Fisichella and Jack Aitken have completed their first laps in an S5000 today ahead of the first round of the VHT Australian S5000 Championship at Albert Park this weekend.

By RHYS VANDERSYDE

The two S5000 international debutants were joined by a fellow F1 star Rubens Barrichello, as well as local young guns Thomas Randle and Antonio Astuti at todays test day at Winton Motor Raceway.

“The S5000 is a really impressive car,” said Fisichella after his first sampling of the car.

“I’m really happy to come back to Albert Park this weekend.”

“My first race in Formula 1 was there in 1996 and I won the Australian Grand Prix in 2005 so I have great memories coming back there.”

“I feel the S5000 will suit the Albert Park circuit where we can really feel the power of this car compared to the tight corners of Winton where we tested today.”

For Aitken, it was also his chance to get familiar with his Team BRM prepared S5000.

“My first impression is that it’s quite different to what I’m used to,” said Aitken.

“I’m used to things that have a bit more downforce, so we have a similar power and weight (compared to Formula 2), but not that aero effect in the high speed.”

“It moves around a lot, and it takes a bit to get used to. The tyres are quite different, quite hard, but it’s a lot of fun.”

“It’s a handful, but the Winton track is nice and fast and flowing. I think it will be pretty bumpy when we get to the GP circuit, but my first impressions are that it’s pretty good.”

Barrichello also took the chance to get reacquainted with the S5000 race car, with Team BRM entry now sporting backing from Pilatus, Kayo and Cap Rouge.

“It’s great to be back in Australia and back in the S5000 car,” said Barrichello.

“Winton is a really different track to what we will experience at Albert Park but it was really fun to drive the car around here and get to know some of the other circuits here in Australia.”

“My last time at Albert Park was in 2011 but it’s going to be great to come back to Melbourne and introduce the Formula 1 car to the S5000 Championship.”

“It’s great to hear that Fisichella has come onboard for this weekend, it’s a bit of a reunion with an old friend and a former competitor.”

S5000 will support the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park this weekend. Thursday will see a practice and qualifying session ahead of one race on all three remaining days.

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