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Thruxton R2

theAA.com

07/05/2001

ABG Motorsport Lexus IS200

Shakedown At Pembrey

ABG Motorsport were at Pembrey in Wales on May 2 and 3 for the first laps of the Lexus IS200. Team Principal Tim Blake was eventually more than satisfied with the progress of the car.

“The first day was difficult as we had a problem to sort out with the location of the differential. But things went much better on Thursday, and overall I suspect we had a less fraught time than the other teams at the equivalent stage. You have to do it to understand how difficult it is to get the first car running properly.”

Kurt Luby did all the driving and he was delighted with the potential of the car. “It’s going to be wonderful. We did enough laps to know that this car is going to be fantastic. We were within a second of the Alfa, and we were noticeably slower than them through the corners, so once we’ve got the handling closer to where we want it, we’ll be well set.”

ABG still have the proper radiator (and the airbox) to install before the Thruxton meeting starts on Sunday, and although confidence is building within the team, they’re not expecting to set the track alight yet. “We’ll use the free practice sessions to constantly make adjustments,” predicted Tim Blake. “We won’t just go pounding round, lap after lap, looking for tenths and hundredths. We’re looking for larger increments than that!”

“Overall, despite the inevitable teething problems, we’re very happy with the car, especially considering how few laps we’ve got in so far,” concluded Tim Blake.

“I’m a great believer in first impressions,” bubbled Kurt Luby. “As soon as I jumped in it, I knew I could work with this. We’re not at the cutting edge of lap times, but this was the first time it has run. The car was a credit to ABG Motorsport and everyone involved. The gearbox and engine were simply beautiful.”

“You know,” he continued, “the Alfa guys clapped us when we went out. They meant it too. They’ve been there, they know. In fact, it was great to see them pounding round, going so well.”

Kurt finished off with the comment that, “we’ve not got any heat into the tyres yet, so once we’ve addressed this area, we’re going to have a very good race car. I just want to go racing.”

Tommy Erdos was also present, but the Brazilian is going to have to be a little patient before his chassis is ready. At least the first Lexus IS200 is ready to go racing.