R THAT
ENCE»
13
A
ndy Soucek has raced various Dallara
single-seaters. First in the Spanish F.3,
then the World Series Renault 3.5, and
most recently the GP2, before moving on to
successes in other categories. Together with
Romain Grosjean and Ben Hanley, the driver
from Madrid test drove the new single-seater
that will be used for the Renault 3.5 from 2012
to 2014. This is not a new role for Soucek, who
was asked to test drive the Dallara for the
2008-2011 seasons back in 2007.
You were involved in the development of the
last two Dallara Renault 3.5 models. Do you
think that there is a well-defined philosophy
behind the French manufacturer’s project per
its flagship category?
«Renault and RPM, who are the two promoters
of this category, have always demanded high
quality cars and engines for their championship,
while insisting that they are the same for
everyone, without the disparity in performance
that is so common in other formulas. Moreover,
the main aim has always been to create cars
that are both powerful, but also ideal for
providing young drivers who are still on a
learning curve with the experience they need».
Is there much difference between the new
single-seater and the one that has just been
phased out?
«Let’s just say that the 2012 model will be more
demanding and require more experience. In
fact, with the old car, there was a risk of
reaching a plateau. In other words, new young
drivers would soon start achieving the same
times as the experts. For this reason it was
necessary to introduce a greater difference
between the values on the track. Nevertheless,
the new Dallara is still a pleasure to drive, with
a non-aggressive chassis that permits the driver
to regain control after an error on a curve, and
Michelin tyres that retain their performance
even after three laps. This is positive, because it
means that it is possible to prepare an adequate
set-up with just one set of tyres».
Does the new Zytek engine, which has 50
horsepower more than the previous version,
require a different driving style?
«It’s a very powerful engine, perhaps too
powerful. I personally requested slightly
different mapping, in order to render it more
aggressive. Consequently the manufacturer has
prepared three different versions: Mine, which is
highly sensitive: the engine already begins to
respond when the accelerator pedal is pressed
down by 15-20%. Then there’s the version that
we might refer to as the “Grosjean map” where
the response is a little slower; and finally the
third version where the progression is slower
still».
What are the advantages from an aerodynamic
point of view?
«The grip has been increased, but without too
much drag, or speed resistance. The front wing
is very big, and the rear wing is very small,
although it is fitted with a generously-sized flap.
The car has a cleaner line».
What do you think about the use of the DRS
and what effect has it had?
«In my opinion, the DRS will separate the
experienced drivers from the novices. It’s
important to use this feature correctly, and if
you ask me, not everyone will get the best use
out of it. We need to understand what Renault
intends to do with it, whether it’s meant to be
used unrestrictedly, or only at certain moments.
During testing the cars were around seven tenths
of a second per lap faster, when using the DRS
constantly, then when they were not using it».
Do you think that this new single-seater could
be improved in any way?
«As far as I’m concerned, the 2012 is already at
the limit, both from a mechanical and an
aerodynamic point of view. Initially, it was very
difficult to get all the components to function
together correctly. During the first tests session,
the gearbox, engine, pneumatic system and the
brakes all worked correctly, but they didn’t work
together. Gradually, test after test, we found the
correct balance, and the whole thing came
together, as if by magic».
You’ve been driving Dallara cars for many
years now. What are your lasting experiences?
«I’ve always found Dallara cars to be perfect,
high quality machines, beautifully designed and
a joy to drive. I remember how professional
Dallara’s trackside technicians are when
resolving any problems that arise, and how
flexible they are. An example that comes to
mind is the way they came up with a rapid
solution to the difficulties caused by the
excessive number of flaps on the 2008 Dallara
Renault 3.5».
Alessandro Santini
T
HE
S
PANISH TEST DRIVER OF THE NEW
D
ALLARA
WSR 3.5
REVEALS THE CAR
’
S SECRETS
:
MORE DEMANDING THAN IN THE PAST AND
EQUIPPED WITH
DRS,
BUT WITH THE SAME FLEXIBILITY THAT HAS ALWAYS
ENABLED YOUNG DRIVERS TO ACQUIRE THE NECESSARY EXPERIENCE
.
W
ITH A NEW
, “
CLEANER
”
AND MORE ATTRACTIVE LINE
Andy Soucek
Andy Soucek