Alesi tops Speedcar test

Speedcar Series new boy Jean Alesi topped the timesheets as the successful first test session of the brand new stock car championship came to an end.

The Frenchman, who completed 46 laps during the two-day test at the Virginia International Raceway, USA, posted a best time of 1'27"88, set whilst running a special qualification set-up.

The test was being used by drivers and engineers to perform the initial shakedown runs on three of the new 600bhp cars, not to search for ultimate lap times.

Former three-time grand prix winner Johnny Herbert finished with a best time of 1'29"57. He was followed by American stock car driver Tony Ave who posted a best lap of 1'31"10, Stefan Johansson finished with the fourth best time of 1'31"13, closely followed by Gianni Morbidelli, who set a best lap of 1'31"20. Completing the order was Mike Bliss, who is acting as Speedcar Series test driver, with a lap of 1'33"47.

A total of 224 laps (504 miles, 811 km) were completed during the test, with Alesi setting a top speed of 176.23 mph (283,55 km/h)

The first Speedcar Series championship season is scheduled to begin in November, with 24 identical cars competing on tracks across Asia and the Middle East.

Jean Alesi 46 laps 1:27:88*

Johnny Herbert 53 laps 1:29:57

Tony Ave 43 laps 1:31:10

Stefan Johansson 25 laps 1:31:13

Gianni Morbidelli 34 laps 1:31:20

Mike Bliss 23 laps 1:33:47

Total 224 laps 504 miles (811 kms)

Top speed: Alesi, 176.23 mph (283,55 kmh)

- Speedcar Series, also photos -