Another Test, Another Swedish Debut
Another Swedish driver enters V8 Supercars – but this time it was Fredrik Lestrup, behind the wheel of his Dunlop Series Commodore, out for his first run yesterday.
International Lestrup had his first hit-out in his former GRM Commodore yesterday at Winton. His team, R Sport Race Engineering, conducted a pre-season test ahead of Lestrup’s debut at the Clipsal 500, which is in less than a fortnight.
“It was a day of many firsts and a completely new experience for me,” Swede Lestrup said.
“I felt we had a very good test and it was very important to get a full test day before the season start. This is completely different to what I’ve driven before and there are a lot of things to get used to – tyres for one are very important and it will be critical to understand and manage them in the races.
“I’m happy with my own driving and we didn’t have any problems so I could get a lot of mileage. It was very different to anything I’ve driven before but a lot of fun.”
The team has headed back to its Sydney base to crunch the data and prepare for Clipsal, which sees the Dunlop Series hit the track for two practice sessions on Thursday, before Qualifying and Race One on Friday.
New regulations see qualifying split into two 15 minute sessions, with half of the field running in each, to cater for the rise in numbers in the category.
Lestrup’s 2014 livery was launched last week at the Pacific Hoists headquarters. Additional sponsorship support has been obtained from German glass manufacturer Licht & Harmonie and Swedish watch manufacturer Halda 1887.
“I feel proud and grateful for the support and confidence shown in me by Pacific Hoists and I am very excited about the plans we have together for the year,” Lestrup said.
“It’s been a short but intense time since my first test last year and I want to send a very special thank you to Nandi Kiss and Mark Robertson who helped organise that test and the contacts which have made my debut in Australia possible this year with great support both in Australia and from Europe.
“It will be an exciting year where I will fulfill one of my racing dreams and I am very motivated by the enthusiasm and commitment I’ve met so far from all the partners involved in this.”
See Lestrup on debut at season opening Clipsal 500, where the Dunlop Series will support the main game V8 Supercars as part of the stellar event.Tickets are available now.
