THE first successful shakedown and track test of a CAMS Jayco Australian Formula 4 Championship race car in Australia has left drivers ad teams smiling about the category’s potential.
Held at Winton in rural Victoria on Wednesday, the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) staged the shakedown and driver test sessions as an introduction to those who have committed to 2015 CAMS Jayco Australian Formula 4 Championship, the new development category as set out globally by the FIA.
CAMS General Manager of Motor Sport Development Cameron McConville said he couldn’t have left Winton any happier, knowing that the car performed well and all teams and drivers got a good introduction to the new racing machine.
“I am happy, but the last two days has really been about helping the teams get up to speed on how to get the cars together, giving the teams the ‘user guide’ or ‘manual’ if you like. They have some information now to take home and some genuine data to take with them. It’s exciting for them and exciting for us also,” he said.
Australia’s Formula Renault 1.6 Champion, Anton De Pasquale from Victoria, was first behind the wheel of the new Formula 4 car and was impressed with the machine after completing 30 laps.
“It looks good which is always important but on track it’s also really good,” said De Pasquale.
“It’s a nice car to drive… it’s the perfect entry level car for a young driver to set them up for a drive overseas and that’s the idea behind it all.”
Knowing that the FIA approved Formula 4 car is safe and reliable, McConville noticed that many liked the look and sound of the new Formula 4 car and believes others will too when they witness the car in the CAMS Jayco Australian Formula 4 Championship starting in July.
“They love the look of the car and then when they get in they are absolutely sold. It’s been valuable for them and while they have only really done about ten or twelve laps each they have gone away happy and now they have something to think about and really look forward to,” he said.
Announcing a partnership with Walkinshaw Performance, who have become technical partners with CAMS for the championship, McConville is delighted that things are progressing nicely and believes the addition of Walkinshaw will help immensely.
“Walkinshaw will be at all seven rounds, looking after the electronics, data and data acquisition, power train… and already I feel very comfortable that they are all over the car if there are any issues. Walkinshaw have put in the effort, having been to France to do a weeks training and I think they are a big asset to hit the ground running,” McConville said.
