The M4 is never an enjoyable experience at any time. At 6am with an engine blaring at 4,500rpm and wind gusting, it's frankly rather horrid. Each time a long journey is undertaken in the Seven, I try to convince myself the last one can't have been that bad. It doesn't take long to be reminded once underway! What on earth will driving to Aintree for the first sprint be like?
Does this count as a legitimate pass?
Anyway, that's to come very soon. To prepare all competitors for the first sprint, the Academy package includes an exclusive test day at Castle Combe. The format was very simple, with four groups allocated 15 minute slots throughout the day and only stopping for lunch. It meant we all got loads of laps while still allowing plentiful time for tales of heroics back in the paddock. Thanks must go to Caterham and the Castle Combe staff for organising a very useful day.
The majority of my track experience has been at rigorously controlled launch events, with not a single track day to speak of. So it was with a fair degree of trepidation that I ventured onto the track for the first time. Though having battled with harnesses, crotch straps and wrist restraints, it was finally nice to drive in anger!
Cautious anger probably better describes it though. Having been taught the lines at the ARDS day, a fair while was spent relearning those and then trying to up the pace. And keeping an eye on the mirrors, of course.
Stickers coming soon, promise!
Without a GoPro or VBox for the day, it's difficult to know how far (if at all) I improved during the day. Combe is great circuit though, challenging enough without being intimidating so you just want to continue lapping to try and better the last lap.
Seemingly this addiction afflicted a few other guys during the day too, with one or two Quite Big Offs as they pushed for ever quicker laps. The Caterham technicians were kept busy! How this will all translate to a full blown race remains to be seen. Still, you can't get in any trouble trundling along at the back, can you?
But then that's the idea of the sprints, to introduce everyone to racing their cars without being surrounded by 20 others doing the same thing. And it all starts this weekend. To Aintree!