The first testing day of the brand new Speedcar Series has been hailed a success by drivers and engineers! Former Formula One drivers Jean Alesi, Johnny Herbert, Stefan Johansson, and Gianni Morbidelli, were joined by American stock car racers Mike Bliss and Tony Avy, to test three of the championship's 600bhp cars at the Virginia International Raceway, USA, on Monday completing over 90 laps in total and the drivers were delighted with how the first test had gone…

"It is one of the few cars I have dreamt of driving, and it's like I expected - lots of fun and really powerful! For me it's a real pleasure, and having fun in a car is so important for drivers. When you have fun with the car you have a fun championship," Jean Alesi said.

Johnny Herbert agreed, saying how great it was to finally get behind the wheel of a car that is very drivable and fun as well and that in his opinion it will make for good racing once the series starts.

“The power of the car was surprisingly good, but more importantly the drivability gave great feedback. All in all we have a fantastic prospect for some great racing," he said

The series' engineers were also happy following the debut test, Benjamin Durand, Speedcar Series technical manager, stating….

"We are very pleased with the work done on the car and engine. It's been a good shake down with no major problems, and everybody is happy with the handling of the car. Now, the work really starts in order to be ready for November, but everything is on schedule."

"From an engine standpoint, we are adjusting the fuel injection mapping, to get the best acceleration and performance,” added Peter Guild, Speedcar Series engineer. “The drivers feel that the power band of the engine is very good and crisp. We are gathering more and more data that will help us to adjust the engine power band and car gear ratios for the tracks that we shall be going to."

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