FP3 throws up Russian surprise
Ivan Laptev has got everyone talking here in St.Polten after taking the little known Awesomatix chassis to the second fastest time in the third free practice behind Ronald Volker. No one was more surprised by the pace of the Russian designed car than Laptev himself who said with better driving by him he could have actually run faster. Benefiting from a fresh set of tyres, the Russian Champion said a few small set-up changes and the removal of the sway bars had given the A700 more steering making the already easy to drive car even better. As a result of his time, which could see him place in the top group for qualifying, Laptev’s pit table has been getting some interesting visitors keen to seen what is definitely the most unique electric touring car chassis around.
Andy Moore once again set the third fastest time with his Moorespeed powered Hot Bodies TCX. Having run the Protoform LTC-R so far, the 2006 World Champion will run the new Legacy B4 shell from RIDE which he found gave increased steering when he tested in Thailand back in December. The British driver who is chasing his first ever ETS podium finish also plans to run a new set of tyres for the final practice.
The Associated team are still looking competitive with Juho Levanen and Keven Hebert setting the fourth and fifth fastest time respectively over three laps – the format that will be used to seed the heats. Levanen said his TC6 was not as good this run but is not sure if that is down to a change of additive or the tyres getting worn, the same set having been run in the opening three practices. He will run a fresh set of rubber in FP4. Hebert swapped the gear diff for a spool on his car and was pleased with the result. The Canadian said while his outright lap times are not the fastest he believes he has a strong pace for the full 5-minutes.
Team Yokomo’s Yannic Prumper completed a Tamiya free Top 6 for the Xenon Modified class. Viktor Wilck was best of the Tamiya Racing Factory drivers in 10th position while Elliot Harper and Marc Rheinard struggled with the 16th and 21st fastest times. Rheinard not helped by missing the start of the run. In the battle of nitro aces Robert Pietsch has the upper hand over Daniele Ielasi setting the 15th fastest time five place ahead of the Italian.
In the Xray Pro Stock class Schumacher’s Martin Hofer continued to set the pace over fellow German Oliver Franke and Swiss driver Sandro Kuriger.
Full results can be found here.
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