F4 CAR DELIVERIES TO COMMENCE THIS WEEK

The new BRDC F4 cars are now preparing for delivery after achieving several milestones following a successful test and development programme.

The MSV F4-013 car, designed by Ralph Firman’s RFR company, completed its first full day of dry weather testing at the Snetterton 300 circuit last Friday, following a spell of harsh icy cold and wet conditions, which have hampered previous tests. Last week’s warmer weather ensured the car was able to generate higher tyre temperatures on track allowing the team to gain a much stronger understanding of the MSV F4-013’s potential. GP2 driver and official BRDC F4 development driver Jolyon Palmer recorded a best of 1m51.5s on used tyres. Projections indicate that the car is likely to be lapping in 1m49s bracket in qualifying conditions on new tyres.

Further work was successfully carried out on the cooling systems, brakes and suspension as the car nears the end of its initial development programme. More minor developments are ongoing but the car is now production ready and the first deliveries will commence this week with a delivery rate of four cars per week thereafter until the end of March.

Test Driver Jolyon Palmer said: “We had a good test last week. The feel of the car is great, it’s very responsive in terms of steering and throttle application. The car is naturally quite stiff, which means the turn in is sharp and direct. We made a big step with the feel and bite of the brakes last time out and now I’m happy that the car is extremely good.

“To cap it off the lap times I was able to put in seemed pretty competitive compared with other series. I’m sure with a bit more work and with teams’ input the drivers will be pleasantly surprised with how quick the car is for a starter single seater formula.”

MSV Series Director Jonathan Palmer said: “Whilst it’s been frustrating having to deal with such challenging weather conditions in our test programme, the F4 car has run reliably and has good pace too – in fact it has already exceeded our performance targets. I’m sure our teams and drivers are very excited about taking delivery of their MSV F4-013 F4 cars and I cannot wait to see the 24 cars hit the track for the dawn of a new era at Silverstone in April.”