Following three promising preseason tests, Fortec Motorsport driver Alexander Rossi feels ready for the opening rounds at Motorland Aragon, Alcaniz for the 2011 World Series by Renault Championship for Formula Renault 3.5 cars.
In March, Rossi and Fortec Motorsport had six productive test days in Barcelona, Paul Ricard and Motorland Aragon. Rossi, a veteran to the circuits but new to championship-winning team Fortec, used this time to fine-tune the setup for his driving style and build his relationship with the team. These tests were diverse with mixed weather conditions, enabling Rossi and his team of engineers to collect valuable data for a variety of situations for the upcoming season.
World Series by Renault is a successful platform for aspiring open-wheel drivers making the final step to F1. World Series has been the springboard for Sebastian Vettel, Robert Kubica and Jaime Alguersuari. Although Rossi is an official rookie this year to World Series by Renault he completed a strong debut in Monaco for his first World Series race in 2010. In addition, Rossi finished fourth overall in 2010 GP3 Championship and for 2011 was recently announced in Malaysia as part of the Air Asia Team Lotus Driver Development Program. Rossi also has duties as an ambassador for the FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy.
“We have had a very strong set of preseason tests and we'll be looking to carry this success into the first race this weekend,” Rossi said. “The team and I were really happy after the Paul Ricard test with the progress we made, developing the car around my driving style. I was second quickest in the Alcaniz test and while you can't focus too much on test times, with many variables attributing to an overall time, it's a good feeling knowing we should be very strong this weekend for opener. The car is really good and I'm comfortable with the team and my surroundings.”
“In addition to preseason testing, physical training has been top priority to me this winter,” Rossi added. “Between my FIA commitments and Air Asia Team Lotus Driver Development Program duties, my physical conditioning has top priority and has filled my remaining time. I'm well prepared and in the best possible physical shape I can be. I'm confident that my team and I will be challenging for wins from the onset.”
Commented team manager Jamie Dye, “We've had a successful six-day test program over the course of the past month. We are happy that we are where we want to be; having made a lot of progress with the car. The team has full confidence in Alexander that he will be able to deliver for us this weekend and we are now all focused on the first qualifying session of the season.”