Zeta Corse was back to the top end of the charts in the first day of collective Renault 3.5 testing at Motorland Aragon. The team, directed by Roman Novikov, fielded rookies Gustav Malja and Louis Deletraz, both coming from the Formula Renault 2.0 series. At the end of the day, Malja cruised to the front while Deletraz delivered an amazing performance by taking sixth place.
It’s been an huge satisfaction for the Zeta Corse stable, as after the end of a phenomenal 2014 season with Roberto Merhi and Roman Mavlanov, they look forward to the future with confidence. After having merged well with the team and car, being at his second Dallara 3.5 test after entering at Jerez with a different team, he made sensational progress in the afternoon, driving extremely well and setting the fastest lap of the day. Deletraz was really proficient in the morning, when he ended up in sixth, while in the afternoon, an off-track exit jeopardized his efforts. Anyway, the Swissman proved to have great skills.
Gustav Malja (#22) Test 1 – P18; Test 2 – P1
“It was my second opportunity to drive a Formula Renault 3.5 Dallara-Zytek after the Jerez test, and here at Alcaniz I quickly merged with Zeta Corse really well. During the morning segment I increased my overall confidence, while in the afternoon things went better and better until I clocked the fastest lap of the day. Honestly, I didn’t think I could climb up to the top spot so fast and I was surprised and happy for how natural it all came. I thank the team for their exceptional work, and I imagine that it couldn’t stop improving in the next two days!”.
Louis Deletraz (#21) Test 1 – P6; Test 2 – P18
“I’ve been invited by Renault to take part in this test and frankly I didn’t expect it. I wasn’t physically prepared, but it was enough to appreciate how fun the Dallara-Zytek is. It’s been a giant step forward for me, and in the morning I scored the sixth fastest lap of the day, the third among the first-time rookies. It’s been a great satisfaction. In the afternoon I made a mistake, hitting the barriers and damaging the left front corner. I was sorry because I could only complete 11 laps, but the mechanics have been great in allowing me to go back on-track in the closing part of the session. I thank Renault and Zeta Corse for this opportunity. In 2015, I’ll be back in the Renault 2.0 to increase my experience”.
Roman Novikov – Team Principal
“I was really impressed by how Malja and Deletraz behaved. They were both rookie but quickly managed to find a way for the front end of the charts. They are two very interesting prospects. In the afternoon, Malja did a phenomenal job and I couldn’t believe it when I saw him in P1! He will stay with us on Tuesday and Wednesday, so we will keep improving together. Louis has also been really good. It’s a pity for the off-track exit but it wasn’t a big deal. The guy showcased great skills and I hope that our paths will cross again at the end his 2015 season in the Renault 2.0 series”.