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Edoardo Mortara continues testing programme at Estoril
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[21-03-2008]
Edoardo Mortara continues testing programme at Estoril
 Edoardo Mortara and the Signature team Formula 3 Euroseries team have continued their test programme on the Estoril circuit in Portugal, formerly the home of the Portuguese Grand Prix.
Having already completed two days of testing at Valencia earlier in the week, the team moved to Estoril in order to assess the new Dallara chassis and Volkswagen engine on a tighter and more twisty circuit.
The team’s running on the opening day was hindered by a gearbox problem, which cut down on Mortara’s track time. However, the setback was swiftly resolved to enable the reigning F3 Euroseries rookie champion to complete the two-day test to his satisfaction. Signature was testing suspension and damper settings in preparation for the coming season, as it learnt more about the new chassis that was tried out for the first time earlier in the week.
It was also a test aimed at assessing the general reliability of the car over long distances. “We’re not looking at the overall performance just yet, although from what I have seen it is very encouraging,” said Mortara. “This test was all about making all the new bits on the car work together effectively. We did have a small issue with the gearbox, but that is exactly why we go testing: to solve any of these problems before we get to a race situation. It actually makes me quite nervous if we have a test with no problems at all – as then I think that there is maybe something we have not yet discovered! Of course as a driver you would always like to see your name topping the time sheets but the test and development programme takes priority and our aim is to prepare for the start of the season as best as possible.
” The suspension work carried out in Portugal was particularly encouraging for the French-Italian driver, carrying over many of the lessons learnt earlier in Spain. “The car works very well over both smooth and bumpy surfaces,” added Mortara. “There are some quite long corners in Estoril, and the traction and grip we were getting both into and out of them was very good. Of course when you test you are working in isolation, and it’s sure that everybody else will have made significant steps forward as well. So far though, I would say that we are in good shape. Along with Signature and Volkswagen, we are all totally committed to winning this year.”
Mortara claimed the F3 series rookie championship with two wins and four podiums last year. His aim this year is to compete for the overall title and the waiting will soon be over: the opening round takes place at Hockenheim in Germany from April 12-13.
Before then, the French squad will undertake a two-day test at Magny-Cours from April 1-2.
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