Antti Buri and the new Mtec FD09 (ex-Comtec) showed good pace at the team's roll-out this weekend in the UK.
The team arrived in Snetterton on Thursday, and thanks to the help of Simon Daynes and Ralph Firman Sr. found access to a good garage where preparations could be done.
On Friday March 13 the Mtec FD09 was rolled-out at the Snetterton track. Autosport was present to report on the team's firsthand experiences with the car. The Mtec (ex-Comtec) car is a welcome addition to this years UK Formula Ford Championships which promises a good season with claimed 26 cars and six constructors taking part in the races!
At Snetterton the team was able to complete four sessions, and towards the end of the day after resolving some minor teething problems the car started to show pace. Given this is Antti's and the car's first outing after last season, the speed was there and the team was able to arrive at a good base setup. After the first day about 1 second was still missing, but for a first outing this was a very promising result!
The next day tests continued at Brands Hatch Indy, and Antti's pace improved further. Snapping off another half second, the team was pleased with the day's results and the experiences of the roll-out. Now some days will be spent on going over the car before the posse heads off to Rockingham for tests Wednesday March 18 (morning only).
Other Formula Ford teams were active testing too. Michael Vergers and GV Racing were present both at Snetterton and Brands Hatch Indy, showing good speed with their ex-Jamun Mygale cars. Unfortunately the day at Brands Indy ended up with an accident causing significant damage both to the car and driver. At Snetterton also teams like Fluid and Stuart were present testing and training their drivers. For more pictures see our gallery section.
Keith Lain, the original constructor of the Comtec (now Mtec) cars also stopped by at Snetterton to see how the Buri team was doing. Pleased and excited to see his car running again, he spent time with the team discussing the car's performance and design.
