Webb on the pace in first World Series Test
Posted on in Latest News
10 March 2011
Webb on the pace in first World Series Test
British rookie Oliver Webb has made a strong start to his season in the World Series by Renault with a competitive first outing at the test in Spain.
Webb, making his debut for the Catalan PONS Racing team at the two day test, took to the dry but cold Motorland Aragón track and started the first day’s morning session on new tyres, in accordance with the test’s regulations. The 19-year old BRDC Superstar and MSA Elite driver demonstrated strong pace from the outset, posting the session’s quickest time of 1m43.467s around the 5.344 km (3.321 mile) circuit.
Confident after the early pace shown, Webb returned to the track in the afternoon but was unable to improve his time as a braking system fault limited running. He recorded a best time of 1m44.317s from the 14 laps completed to end the session 20th, with the team unable to complete a run on the second set of tyres.
The second day’s testing continued as the previous day had ended, with the Knutsford driver struggling with the brakes on his 3.5-litre V6 Renault. Despite these difficulties, the PONS Racing team used this opportunity to trial a number of set-up configurations, specifically for the demanding Monza circuit which the championship visits in May.
The final session saw Webb’s car return to the previous day’s original set-up and, on fresh tyres, he posted his quickest time overall, 1m.42.810, briefly topping the timesheets, before eventually ending the day in second place.
During the subsequent scruntineering after the chequered flag, Webb’s car was found to be narrowly under the regulation weight, resulting in his time being taken away. Both Pons and Webb where still happy of what can be achieved.
On completion of his first WSR testing session, Webb commented: ‘This has been a strong first test for us, and overall I am really happy with how things have gone. We had some teething problems with the braking system, but the PONS Racing team did a great job in identifying and sorting them out allowing me to record some strong times and, by the end of the day I was feeling really comfortable with the car. I cannot wait to get out to Barcelona next week to develop the car, and myself, even further.’
Webb will be back on track for further pre-season testing at the Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona on 15-16 March.
For more information on Oliver Webb, and to follow his progress throughout the season, visit