D'Ambrosio developing the 2008 Formula Master car today

Reigning Formula Master champion, Jérôme D’Ambrosio, concluded his two-day test of the evolving single-seater at Vallelunga today, improving by a further six-tenths on yesterday’s time.
Predictably the Belgian racing star sat comfortably at the top of the timesheet in the 2008 car, clearing the other racers, who were driving this year’s model, by seven-tenths.
"It’s been great to develop this car," said D’Ambrosio, who recently announced he will be racing in GP2 in 2008. "It will be superb for the drivers. The engine is easier to use because you have more torque so the car will be even better to drive; more natural."
Less predictable was the continuingly impressive performance of Formula Master rookie Yuji Sekiguchi, formerly of Japanese Formula 3, who was D’Ambrosio’s quickest counterpart today in Italy.
"Basically the car is much nicer to drive than what I’m used to," said the Japanese driver, who is presently discussing his next career step. "It has a lot more grip so is physically harder, but much faster.
"It is no problem for me to race outside Japan. I like to come to Europe because I know that is the way to Formula one and I will have to come here sooner rather than later."
Sekiguchi was racing with Euronova Racing, which bagged the top five times today excluding D’Ambrosio. "He is a really good driver," said Team Manager Vincenzo Sospiri, talking about Sekiguchi’s performance. "He came for a test at Monza and he was very fast straight away. Here, he didn’t know the track and yesterday he was second fastest and today he was much faster than anyone else.
"Of course, I would love him to race with us in 2008. We spoke with his people that look after him today and they are really happy. His main target is to do the Formula Master and we hope he comes to us after his performance today."
Driver plans for 2008 are coming through thick and fast now as two of the 2007 Formula Master class confirmed their continued participation. Third-placed Pablo Sanchez Lopez and race winner Arturo LLobell will compete with Cram Competition.
D'Ambrosio completed 75 laps of the Vallelunga track today with no reliability issues.

D'Ambrosio in the pits at Vallelunga
Formula Master – Vallelunga winter testing
1. Jérôme D’Ambrosio (BEL), Formula Master 2008 car, 1:27.248
2. Yuji Sekiguchi (JAP), Euronova Racing, 1:27.959
3. Daniel Mancinelli (ITA), Euronova Racing, 1:28.284
4. Federico Rossi (ITA), Euronova Racing, 1:28.717
5. Fabrizio Crestani (ITA), Euronova Racing, 1:28.823
6. Michael Meadows, (GBR), Euronova Racing, 1:28.865
7. Vladimir Arabadzhiev (BUL), JD Motorsport, 1:28.867
8. Norbert Siedler (AUT), ADM Motorsport, 1:28.881
9. Paul Meijer (NED), AR Motorsport, 1:28.956
10. Salvatore De Plano (ITA), Euronova Racing, 1:29.161
11. Mattia Pavoni (ITA), J.D. Motorsport, 1:29.562
12. Michele Caliendo (ITA), ADM Motorsport, 1:30.798
13. Tomas Pivoda (CZE), ADM Motorsport, 1:31.627
For more information please visit www.formulamaster.net
2007 statistics
FIA WTCC Partner Series
Eight events – 16 races
Eight European destinations
40 drivers – 19 countries represented
30 cars on average for each event
18 million TV viewers on Eurosport
16 hours LIVE coverage on Eurosport
367,000 attending spectators
Inaugural race at Valencia, Spain on 19 May 2007
Inaugural Champion Jérôme D’Ambrosio (BEL), Cram Competition
Inaugural race winner Salvatore Gatto (ITA), Alan Racing
Youngest race winner Pablo Sanchez Lopez (MEX), Alan Racing
Eight different race winners
Six different pole setters
16 different drivers have led a race
15 different drivers have stepped onto the Formula Master podium
30 drivers in the points
Featuring N.Technology’s Formula Master race car with electric gearshift and clutch paddles and advanced aerodynamics, the car weighs just 550kg including the driver and runs on control tyres by Yokohama.
The first car in the world to secure 2008 FIA homologation, the Formula Master single-seater has generated excitement from all sectors thanks to its dynamic styling, light-weight body and powerful engine.
- RSM · -also photos
More reports from this category all copyright automobilsport.com.