F2 - Luca Ghiotto: The 2018 single-seater constitutes global progress

A large part of the FIA F2 peloton was out at Magny-Cours in Nièvre for a shakedown with the new single-seaters equipped with the Halo.

Published on 14/02/2018 à 19:09

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F2 – Luca Ghiotto: The 2018 single-seater constitutes overall progress

The cold and snow at the side of the track surrounded the start of the shakedown of the FIA single-seaters F2 2018. Equipped with the Halo cockpit protection system and the new Mecachrome V6 3,4 liter turbo engine block, the cars were able to take their first laps this Wednesday at Magny-Cours, first on wet tires this morning, then in slicks.

The times had little importance on this day, mainly focused on the discovery of this car 2018 for drivers and teams new to the discipline, notably Charouz Racing System.

Author of the best honorary time and holder of the greatest number of laps completed, with 29 laps, the Italian Luca Ghiotto, resident of Campos Racing, describes getting to grips with the car.

“This car is a real step forward compared to the previous one, underlines Ghiotto. The grip is incredible. Overall, it's an improvement in all areas.

On a cold day like today it performed very well. I couldn't be happier with how things turned out for me.

I was very surprised at the reliability. I saw all the other cars racing all day. The teams, Dallara (chassis designer), Mecachrome (engine manufacturer) must be satisfied with what has been accomplished today – and it's only the first day.

The turbo engine brings us closer to F1. I piloted the Williams last year and I can already say that the 2 F2018 car is much closer to an F1 car than last year's car. If any of us had a chance to drive in F1, we would be able to adapt even faster. »

325 laps were completed by the teams this Wednesday, for a total of 1434 km.