Formula 2 Test Wrap –

South African race driver Raoul Hyman wrapped up his three-day Formula 2 test for Campos Racing at Bahrain’s Sakhir Grand Prix Circuit with another busy day as he logged up 70 productive laps on Friday.

“Today was another busy day,” Raoul explained. “We did a long run and virtual safety car practice this morning, but my full race simulation was a real rush in the afternoon. “I started on prime tyres but needed to box after twelve laps because of massive tyre degradation from lap four – that pit stop under race conditions went well and we switched to the option tyre.

“I was pleased to vault from twelfth to eighth on the race simulation time sheets, although we had the same tyre degradation after three laps and the car became a real handful toward the end of the run. “It turned out that one of the rear carbon discs was not ‘switching on’, which led to excessive tyre degradation, but I’m quite pleased that I now know how to deal with it.

“We ended 16th overall today, but we concentrated on long runs and never saved any tyres for a tilt at the top of the times, but the race simulation proved an invaluable experience – never mind a real adrenaline rush!

“We then closed off a most productive day with practice starts and pitstop practice, which was another great experience. “The team monitors the entire time lost from pit entry to exit, so the approach and the exit are just as important as the time taken to change the tyres – it’s easy to overdo it and always more difficult than in static practice.

“The technical step up to a 480kW V8 Formula 2 car with a drag reduction system has been astonishing – this is not a car you can just step into and drive fast – it’s all about extracting the best performance out of the brakes, tyres, drivetrain and chassis and it’s clear that one can only maximise the speed in the package after you have properly understood these highly technical procedures.”

“Overall I am really pleased with my performance today and that my rigorous training regime has paid off – some may have been surprised that I came in from the cold and handled the physical demands of driving a Formula 2 car over three days with relative ease, but that training began three years ago and it continues daily.

“Once again I thank Campos Racing for this incredible opportunity – at this stage we are not sure where it will all lead in the end, but you never know when the call may come.”