Although he’s likely to remain in Formula One Italy’s Jarno Trulli had a blast in the Michael Waltrip Racing No 55 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota at New Smyrna Speedway in the Daytona Beach Florida area.
First things first, he keeping his future close, stating he hasn’t signed yet with Lotus as rumored, but, he’s keeping all of his options open. Back to the test, he climbed through the window to enter the 3450 pound stock car and told Auto123.com: “At first it was a disaster I’ve never driven a closed cockpit car before, but I got used to it rather quickly.”
Earlier in the day, he spoke to the gathered media and explained “this was the first time I was closed for the first time in my life I was in a cockpit. I was struggling a little bit. I did a lot of lot of laps. Having your head out in the air is a different feeling.” He then told Auto123 that “acceleration; it’s was hard to tell because it was a short track.” Also without tire warmers he had to get used to the harder NASCAR cars to get grip. Before a lunch break he told reporters “it requires different driving skills feeling and understanding the car, the tires, the grip level of the tires. So many factors; you need to be not just a skilled driver but you need to be a smart person,” he said, adding you have to know how to request changes in the setup, etc. “Nevertheless, I’m enjoying it. It’s a big shock to drive a car which moves a lot. I’m used to a stiff car on the ground. This car is a different way the reaction time is slower, but, on the other hand there are a lot of little details that can make you slow or quick but I’m off on these details.” When asked what changed to make him interested in a NASCAR test he replied. “I think the World changed.” Then he added “to be honest I didn’t know much about NASCAR until Juan Pablo Montoya made the move, so I’m following him. He had a hard time at first, but, eventually he’s a big established driver.” Mika Salo, who tested on Tuesday said, in a press release “I have never raced on an oval before and New Smyrna is a good place to do my first run,” Salo said. “I would be scared if we were at a high speed circuit. I was just trying to get the feel of the car with the changes they were making. At the beginning, I was running to get comfortable. The car is a lot heavier and has a lot of power. I was comfortable in the car and that’s basically what I wanted. They made different changes. They changed springs, bars and so forth. We tried different things so I could understand what everything does.” Both Jarno and Mika have done really well," said Steve Hallam, Executive Vice President of Competition for Michael Waltrip Racing (in a press release) and a 27-year Formula One veteran who came over from McLaren Mercedes. “They have both delivered competitive lap times. They bring a different perspective to our ears. We are able to hear about the cars in a different way. Also, Trevor (Bayne, their Nationwide driver) being here is very useful because he is articulate and able to relate their experiences to reality. It has been a really positive test and has brought good value to us." Hallam told Auto123.com that Salo did 208 laps and Trulli had turned 262 laps but was still running we when contacted him. Photos: Toyota
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