17-year-old Muhammad Ibrahim has successfully completed an extensive 3-day Formula Renault testing program with Evans Grand Prix.
Held at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, Ibrahim completed over 150 laps (830kms), in a program that included simulated race runs, new tyre qualifying runs, practice starts and even a small amount of wet weather driving.
On the final day of running Ibrahim was able to produce a strong qualifying simulation where he was able to get down into the 2:03.5s lap times, comparing well to the 2:04.0 pole position time of last season. Onboard footage can be found at the Evans Grand Prix YouTube page: https://youtu.be/Kxgpi2WO5IM
The team and Ibrahim have identified further potential areas of improvement and will be looking to work on this in the months leading up to the first round of the Asian F3 Championship in late January.
Muhammad Ibrahim: “Firstly, it was great to be back in a real racing car after almost a year. Thankfully it didn’t take too long to get back up to speed. I think the time spent on my simulator during the Covid lockdown has really helped me.
“On the final day of the test I was really starting to feel comfortable and my driving was quite consistent. I was a little surprised to achieve the 2:03.5 lap time on the new tyre run, as I still believe there was actually still more in it, so that is quite encouraging.
I want to thank the team for giving me a great car and I look forward to the next test days as we prepare for 2021”.
Josh Evans, Team Principal: “Muhammad has impressed us over these last 3 days. It is clear to see that what he has achieved in karting and on the simulator has really transferred over to what he is able to do in an actual race car.
“His outright speed is there, as demonstrated during his qualifying simulation. However, we know that the level of Asian F3 is going to be very high this year and we will continue to further improve as we are ready for the season ahead.”
2021 FIA ASIAN FORMULA 3 CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR
Round 1 – January 21-23 – Yas Marina Circuit – Races 1-3
Round 2 – January 28-30 – Dubai Autodrome – Races 4-6
Round 3 – February 4-6 – Yas Marina Circuit – Races 7-9
Round 4 – February 11-13 – Dubai Autodrome – Races 10-12
Round 5 – February 18-20 – Yas Marina Circuit – Races 13-15