FPA: The class of 2009

Kazim Vasiliauskas sets fastest time during official test

The Formula Palmer Audi Championship held its annual pre-season test at Bedford Autodrome today (Monday) and it was series newcomer Kazim Vasiliauskas who set the pace.

The Lithuanian, whose place in the championship was only confirmed earlier today, set the best time ahead of Adam Foster, Kenny Andrews and Richard Plant who were second, third and fourth respectively: "I wasn't necessarily expecting to go fastest," said Kazim. "But I am very happy with the result anyway."

Many of the drivers focussed on completing longer runs and car set-up rather than setting hot laps, although Frenchmen Maxime Jousse and Tristan Vautier traded fastest times throughout the day. Jose Alonso also impressed and Paul Rees declared himself satisfied with his performance: "It was a good session," said Rees. "I don't think you can look too much into the times today. Lots of guys were saving tyres for Donington and everyone was trying different things, but I was happy with my day's work."

Ashley Babbra, Tom Duggan, Maria De Villota, Emma Kimilainen, Howard Fuller, Julien Gerbi and Philipp Frommenwiler also took part as each driver completed two hours of running at FPA's own test track. Remaining championship entrants Giuseppe Cipriani, Luca Orlandi and Syed Ovais Naqvi were unable to attend.

Each driver took part in a debrief with their respective engineers and driver coach after the session as all of the competitors make their final preparations before the season opener at Donington Park on 18/19 April.