A1 Grand Prix Team India has successfully completed its first shake down test at the Paul Ricard circuit in France, with drivers Karun Chandhok and Armaan Ebrahim setting a respectable pace.
The team of engineers, mechanics, technicians and drivers combined individual skills and resources to secure India's readiness and preparation for the opening round of the World Cup of Motorsport at Brands Hatch, Great Britain.
In strict accordance with test schedule, team members first installed all the telemetry software into the vehicle and performed a comprehensive systems check during the first day of running. A number of installation laps were completed in conjunction with engine manufacturers in order to collect and record engine data.
All parameters were crosschecked before the car made a five-lap run and then re-checked again.
The second and third day of testing offered team management and drivers further opportunity to get accustomed to handling, sorting out any minor issues and ensuring full familiarity with the overall functioning of the car.
Drivers Chandhok and Ebrahim quickly got into their sessions around the track and managed to set good lap times for their first outing in the A1 GP car. The drivers and the team made history as they participated in the first ever A1 Grand Prix rolling start, which saw over 16 cars jostle for position over the start line.
"We are very pleased with the progress made so far, the performance of our drivers and the effort of the entire team," explains Atul Gupta, seat holder of A1 Team India. "We are confident in the entire team's input and capability and we are sure that Team India's performance will make the country proud."
