Nurburgring, Germany (April 07, 2006) - Canada's Sean McIntosh concluded the final two days of pre-season testing in the World Series by Renault by heading the timesheets at Germany's Nurburgring Circuit on Wednesday before finishing third fastest in yesterday's final day of practice ahead of the start of the season at Zolder in Belgium, 29th-30th April.
Following mixed fortunes at Le Mans last weekend, set-back by an engine failure on the first day before responding with the seventh quickest time on the second, there were to be no such problems this week as the 20-year-old from Vancouver started to lap the 5.148km German circuit, home of the European Grand Prix, on Wednesday. Firing on all cylinders from the off, Sean's fastest lap, 1m43.188s, posted him firmly at the top of the timesheets on day one, two tenths of a second faster than his closest challenger from the 30-car field.
While inclement weather conditions delayed Thursday morning's track activities, when the action resumed Sean was on it again, quickly up to speed in the #6 Team KTR entry. Opting not to use up another set of Michelins towards the end of the final session, Sean's best lap on Thursday, a 1m43.248s, placed him third fastest on the day with Wednesday's hot lap placing him third overall on the times set at the test - an encouraging way for the young Canadian A1 Grand Prix winner to wrap up pre-season testing.
Sean McIntosh:
"Obviously I'd have liked to have been P1 again on Thursday but the conditions were quite different and we were comfortable knowing what we were capable of running so we didn't need to bang out a time at the end. We were at the front of the pack for both days which reflects the progress we've made since we began testing at Barcelona last month. Overall I'm really happy with how we've spent our time and the relationship developing with Team KTR. It's good to be heading to Zolder at the end of the month amongst the pace-setters!"
Kurt Mollekens - KTR Team Manager:
"I'm very happy with the outcome of pre-season testing. As a team we have good cars and good drivers and this is set to be an extremely competitive season of World Series by Renault. Sean was really impressive at the Nurburgring. Despite having to learn the circuit he was simply on it right from the start. He was quick on used tires and extremely competitive throughout. I've got no doubt if we'd put a fresh set of tires on at the end of Thursday's session he'd have been P1 again. Sean's adapted really well to this car and I'm confident heading into the start of the new season."
From Stuart Morrison Public Relations
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