Taking advantage of the Spanish GT and Formula 3 Championship’s stop at the Jarama circuit, the Repsol Classic Team held a private test session at the Madrid circuit. Three of the cars that will defend the colours of the team in the Le Mans 24-hours Classic, which will be held at the French circuit between 8 and 11 July, attended the event to fine tune their vehicles before the demanding French event.
The cars were out on the Madrid track for one hour in order to check that all of the mechanical components are working correctly. The 1950 Cadillac 62 completed all of the laps without any problems, despite the narrow and winding Madrid circuit not being the best terrain for a vehicle of its size and weight. In spite of the intensive work the brakes underwent, its performance was satisfactory.
The Lancia Aurelia B-20 and the Ferrari 275 GTB also tested. For the first, the basic components – such as the engine and brakes – worked satisfactorily. However, it had some difficulties changing gear, mainly the third and fourth gears, which are particularly important on a track as fast as Le Mans. The gearbox is being taken apart and repaired and a new test session is scheduled for Monday 21.
The brakes of the Ferrari 275 GTB have made a noticeable improvement after the latest adjustments to the brake pump but problems arose with the temperature. Back in the garage, they opened the right bedplate and saw that the two valves were not in good condition, so now they are working on finding these parts and replacing them.
All of the work will be finished over the next few days in time for a new test session before the big event of the legendary Le Mans 24-hours.
