Four of this year’s GB4 contenders got behind the wheel of the new Tatuus MSV GB4-025 car at Bedford Autodrome yesterday (Tuesday), as the testing programme for next year’s machinery continued.
The car, run by Douglas Motorsport, is a revised version of the current GB3 chassis, and includes all the latest safety features including the halo, plus a normally aspirated two litre, four cylinder Mountune engine and aerodynamic adjustments.
Fox Motorsport’s race-winner Branden Templeton was one of the quartet to experience the new car, and instantly proclaimed it as a new benchmark machine in his career so far.
“It was amazing!” he said. “The best car I’ve ever driven. I had the biggest smile on my face, it’s 100 times better than the old car.
“It felt a lot more stable, the car had so much front grip, you could brake so late and carry the speed into the corners. I can’t wait to have a go at one of the circuits we race on.”
Aleksander Mizera, who is continuing a major testing programme with Idola Motorsport as he prepares to go racing in single-seaters, pointed to the many mechanical improvements compared to the F4-T014 car that’s currently in use.
“The new car simply feels like an all-round improvement. The power is delivered in a more direct nature, the brakes are more powerful too. Tyre warm up was really quick and it felt like it was on rails, glued to the road!”
Templeton’s fellow race-winner Lucas Blakeley also picked out the improved feel of the new car.
“The car looks good, sounds good and feels great to drive. It’s improved compared to the current car with how you get on the power and how amazing the brakes are. It’s an amazing feeling and gives you confidence to really go for it, the balance was really enjoyable.”
Arden Motorsport’s Leon Wilson was also impressed with his first taste of the GB4-025.
“The steering seems lighter, the brakes are much more sensitive and amazingly, once I was in, I didn’t even notice the halo!”
Douglas Motorsport, which has run in MSV’s championships since 2013 owns and operates the car, the first to be converted from GB3 to GB4 specification.
Team Principal Wayne Douglas noted: “We’re delighted to be working with MSV on the development of the Tatuus MSV GB4-025 and running the only new car on track at the moment.
“It’s been a fantastic day at Bedford Autodrome, the drivers have had great first impressions of the car and the feedback has been hugely positive so far.”
We’ll bring more in depth analysis from each driver about their tests in the car across the coming days.
Testing of the Tatuus MSV GB4-025 will continue throughout the remainder of the season.
