Oschersleben (Germany), Dec 2 (IANS) Aditya Patel has became the first Indian to test drive the Audi R8 LMS for the upcoming ADAC GT Masters season here, completing 15 laps, a race simulation of five laps and a 35-minute distance race.
Aditya debuted internationally in 2009 with the Volkswagen Polo Cup in Germany. In 2010, he graduated to Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup and in the recently concluded season, finished fifth overall including a win and two podiums.
Aditya, the 23-year old from Chennai, said Thursday: ‘The test was a big surprise for me. It’s almost like an early Christmas gift. I thought the car would be much harder to drive, but it was just super fun!
‘During the morning session, I did 15 laps and felt quite confident in the car. I think I almost tested the limit of the car a little bit. Rene Rast and the engineers helped me understand the car before the first session and it was really useful.
‘After the first session, we looked at the data and in most parts of the circuit it was really good. There are areas where I can improve, especially the braking. I have to learn to brake harder.
‘Throughout the test, I was able to control the car very well. Compared to the Scirocco, the Audi has a lot more down-force and grip. The car is lower and tyres are bigger. The car has fantastic balance and feels very neutral on fast corners.
‘On the long straight, Audi did about 250 kmph compared to the Scirocco which does about 210 kmph. I am grateful to the Volkswagen group for giving me this opportunity. If I could drive the ADAC GT Masters or a GT3 Car in a championship next year, it would be a dream come true.’
The 2011 season of ADAC GT Masters had 146 drivers from 17 countries taking part in 16 races. Besides Audi, car manufacturing brands like BMW, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes, Ford and Alpina participated in the last season.
McLaren will be debuting in the 2012 season. Audi R8 LMS was the most successful car with three victories in 2011. Since its debut in 2009, Audi R8 LMS has won 15 races.
