Fabrizio Giovanardi admits he need more time to get on BTCC pace
Returning champion Fabrizio Giovanardi says he has yet to get the most from his Motorbase Performance Ford Focus after his final pre-season British Touring Car Championship test
The 47-year-old has rejoined the series this year and will sample the NGTC-specification tin-top cars for the first time.
He has conducted several test days for the Kent-based team, but says he has yet to unlock the true potential of the hatchback.
Rain ruined the running during the series' official media day test at Donington Park on Tuesday and Giovanardi said the lost track time could prove crucial.
"At this point, I need the time to do more testing but we don't have more time now," said Giovanardi.
"I understand the car much better now but we need more miles for me to find my perfect settings in the car.
"It is not yet ready for my style of driving. I had to be clear where to go with the car by the end of the [Donington] test, but there was rain and it meant the running was difficult.
"I think the set-up is close, but I am not there yet. I need more mileage."
Giovanardi set the 12th fastest time during his 34 laps at Donington Park.
The series kicks off at Brands Hatch on March 29/30.
Be part of the Autosport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
Motorbase signs Independents Trophy champion Butcher
BTCC 2020: Ollie Jackson to race newly built Motorbase Ford Focus RS
The final-race twist that capped a decade of BTCC drama
How a BTCC reunion yielded glory in Britain's 'other' tin-top series
Leading BTCC outfit BTC gets new name and expands into GT racing
The grassroots rise that shaped an understated BTCC star
Peugeot surprised by severity of WEC Balance of Performance hit
Audi a player, not a spectator, in F1 driver market - Sauber
Mercedes joins Williams and RB with 'quick and cheap' F1 cockpit airflow upgrades
Alpine gets F1 spare car for first time in 2024 as lighter chassis appears in China
How Ingram is seeking to reclaim the BTCC crown from Sutton
The tin-top world champion seeking to tick a "missing box" in the BTCC
How a BTCC Alliance swept the field away in 2023
How a top-down overhaul formed the basis of Sutton's 2023 BTCC dominance
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments