What is happening to the GT Academy winners

[Vince_Fiero]

I thought there should be place to keep following the GT Academy 2010 winners and why not Lucas Ordoñez.

=========================================
Main info sites:
The Blog of Jordan Tresson: http://jordantresson.blogspot.com/
Facebook of Luca Lorenzini (thanks for the tip Lucas): http://www.facebook.com/pages/Giagua-Luca-Lorenzini/10150137441570161
Jordan Tresson twitter: http://twitter.com/JordanTresson
RJN motorsport: http://www.rjnmotorsport.com/
Facebook GT Academy 2010: http://www.facebook.com/GTAcademy?v=app_4949752878#!/GTAcademy?v=wall
The GT Academy Twitter: http://twitter.com/GTAcademy

Site of Lucas:www.lucasordonez.com
Twitter of Lucas: http://twitter.com/Lucas_Ordonez
Facebook of Lucas:http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&ref=ts&gid=171982060934#!/pages/Lucas-Ordonez/112150848800761?ref=mf

==========================================
The program for the next period:

370 GT4 Testing 21 April: final decision Jordan Tresson starts on 2nd May in Silverstone 1st GT4 Cup round!
Also Lucas confirmed his participation in the 2010 GT4 season.

Round Date Country Circuit
1,2 Sunday, May 2nd 2010 [GBR] Great Britain Silverstone
3,4 Saturday, June 5th 2010 [BEL] Belgium Spa-Francorchamps
5,6 Sunday, July 4th 2010 [FRA] France Paul Ricard HTTT
7,8 Sunday, August 29th 2010 [GER] Germany Nürburgring
9,10 Sunday, September 19th 2010[POR] Portugal Algarve
11,12 Sunday, October 17th 2010 [FRA] France Magny Cours

Program before:
- Fly to UK 7th or 8th March
- 8th March Advanced ARDS Silverstone
- Sort out licence and equipment.
- 13/14 March - Snetterton Circuit for Marshalling and racing
- 15th March Fly home (or you may have to stay in UK)
- 24th or 25th March - Fly back to UK
- 27 /28th March Pembrey Rounds 1,2,3
- Race all of April in UK
- Sunday, April 4th Mallory Park 750 Motor Club - All Comers class
- Monday, April 5th Castle Combe Castle Combe GT
- BARC Dunlop Great & British Motorsport Festival
- Saturday, April 10th, Sunday, April 11th Rockingham circuit
- 17th April Snetterton Long race (90 minutes), where Luca and Jordan share a car to do final selection.
- 18th April Mallory Park Rounds 4.5 Welsh Sports and Saloons Championship


Not active site: Facebook supporting Jordan Tresson: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jordan-TRESSON-a-la-GT-Academy-2010/318789977899
Seems to have been removed: Luca Lorenzini twitter: http://twitter.com/GTALorenzini
=============

Today Birmingham "Milton Hill House" Hotel, it seems a place to get used to Jet set attitudes.
Friday departure for Snetterton with race Saturday and a guided tour of the work of track commissioners on Sunday. Rest at home afterwards.
From 24 March 4 to 5 weeks in the UK without going home.

Any Italians that can follow Luca?

PS: It states he is from the North of France, geographically this is correct. In France however the department he lives in is generally placed in the East (L'Est; God and the president know why). Actually he lives less then an hour's drive from me it turns out.

======================================================

Edit 9 March 2010:

Monday 8 March 2010
1st day in the UK
Directly from airport to Silverstone. There starting to drive donuts and drifting the Caterham Super 7 for an hour.
Following lunch and start of afternoon 30 minutes in a 370Z on the Stowe Circuit, but in the other direction then for the GT Academy.
First signature obtained without issues.

Following, Bob, the team manager, took Jordan and Luca to the workplace of the racing team to see the cars that will be used for the Club Races that will be done to obtain the signatures. They are Nissan 370Zs emptied, with cage, AP Racing brakes, Bilstein adabtable dampers, racing clutch and ....

Checking in the hotel in one not to big room for both of them and off to dinner.
Pictures from Jordan to follow.

========================================
Update 11 March

10 March 2010 Physical Test
Jordan went to the Porsche Center for some very pushed physical tests: eye test, reflexes test, body build, endurance, movements ... he aced this like he did during the GT Acadamy at Silverstone.
Still an extensive training program (like for any racing driver) is foreseen : power training, fitness, running, bucycle ... an hour or a bit more every day! He regrets to have stopped power training 6 months ago.

Thusday 11 March 2010 is a light day in theory: fitness (not yet the training program), swimming pool for relaxing and getting the racing helmet at the end of the day.

==================
Update 12 March

Thur 11 March 2010: Leaving for the race at Snetterton
Calm day, bought Araï GP-5W and Nomex underway (fireproof) at the Grand Prix Racewear of Silverstone.

12 March, leaving for Snetterton.
=================
Update 14 March

First race Snetterton 13/03
Time has come for the 1st race. After verification of the commissioners in the morning, test laps from 11h40 à 11h55. New break pallets so calmly for the first 3 rounds. Afterwards, higher pace, but far from the limit, not knowing the car nor track. In the last lap, Jordan got a flat in the front, so entered and got the wheels changed.

Qualifcation results: 14th of 16. The place is less important then finishing the race.

Race at 16h. Good start, a bit of loss when going to 2nd, 15th at 1st breaking point. After the turn 2, in the long straight, Jordan takes advantage of the power of the Nissan 370Z to move up to 13th. But people pass and back to 16th at the starting line due to a suicide break manouvre of a driver in a Fiesta, where Jordan left place to avoid contact. Jordan took the Fiesta back in the straight due to the 335hp of the V6. Following calmly continuing and due to drivers abandoning moving up to 11th. Race finished without big issues, signature obtained, that was the mission!

Everyone was happy, car and driver came in good shape out of the race, that was the goal.

Sunday 14 March 2010
Marshalling : Snetterton

Dressed to face the cold, but still cold due to the wind.

So all morning waiving flags and studying driving lines in the turn Jordan was placed.
In the afternoon in charge of handling incidents, but no one did throw stones on the track etc.. so unimployed!

Sunday evening at a hotel close to Heathrow Jordan flies off 12h50 Monday to be at Paris 15h10.

===========================
Edit 15 Mar

Update from http://www.rjnmotorsport.com/

Luca Lorenzini and Jordan Tresson began their training programme in the 750 Motor Club Allcomers race at Snetterton this weekend. All went well and they added a signature to their race cards. They will be racing again at Pembrey 27th and 28th March in the Welsh Sports and Saloons Championship.

 

[Jordan]

Thanks for these updates, Vince - I didn't even realize RJN and Jordan were sharing all of this post-GT Academy info. I'm going to subscribe to this thread so, if you could, please reply to it each time you post another update so it will be easier to follow along.

 

[homeforsummer]

The GTAcademy page on Facebook is staying and giving updates on their progress - so I assume pretty much all their activities will be covered from now on.

 

[Vince_Fiero]

The GTAcademy page on Facebook is staying and giving updates on their progress - so I assume pretty much all their activities will be covered from now on.

I hope to get more juicy details from the 2 winners directly.
However; good the Facebook page was updated now (I tried to push them by posting on the wall before about Snetterton, but your message is automatically removed after posting).

So for people that are interested, the flickr slideshow of Snetterton:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gtacademy2010/sets/72157623624348048/show/with/4435223554/

 

[Vince_Fiero]

Article in Italian (Help on translation is welcome, google translated and selected below):

http://www.megamodo.com/201058504-i-vincitori-della-gt-academy-debuttano-a-snetterton/

As I suspected from the comments of Jordan and the pictures of Flickr, results 750 Motor Club All Comers in Snetterton:
Luca 10th
Jordan 11th
Most important, both got their signatures.

They raced a 370Z on standard road tires against sports cars equipped with slicks, the caliber of Radical and Ginetta.
Bob Neville RJN Motorsport PlayStation Nissan team responsible, was positively impressed.

"I welcome the excellent initial result," said the PlayStation Nissan team leader. "The goal was to get used to racing on the track with other cars. The fact that several cars were faster than ours and with slick tires was used to raise awareness in Jordan and Luca what was around them, so to correct direction and allow safe overtaking by other vehicles. All this falls within the skills that a driver must possess."

"Their speed was nearly identical. Jordan was slightly quicker in qualifying, while for a split second, Luke has recorded the fastest lap, finishing the race in the head. What I really appreciate is the fact that Luke and Jordan are behaving as teammates, helping each other. With just one spot up for grabs to race in the European GT4 there was a danger for a pure race between them and I'm happy that both have taken the right spirit. "

However, the most exciting for the two neo-pilots was without a doubt the race.

"I love competing," said twenty-one enthusiastic student of automotive engineering Tresson Jordan. "We have not reached the speed that I hoped, but our goal was to stay on track safely. We got a good finish and two signatures. The training this week has been intense and we trained in the gym every day. Our next big race is at Pembrey and not wait to get back on track. "

Carried away by Tresson, Luca Lorenzini said it started on the right path: "It was a nice weekend," said the mechanic of twenty-six years. "The car was perfect, prepared properly and there were no contingencies on the track. I am so amused that I can not wait to race again. "

Next event: 27 and 28 March Pembrey, Welsh Sports and Saloons Championship.

 

[Famine]

I have an English press release which says pretty much the same thing:

GT Academy 2010 winners make their racing debut at Snetterton
 Luca Lorenzini & Jordan Tresson move one step closer to a real European GT4 Cup drive

Snetterton (Norfolk, UK) – Sunday 14 March, 2010 – PlayStation® and Nissan’s quest to turn a virtual driver into a real one took another step forward this weekend, when Luca Lorenzini from Italy and Jordan Tresson from France took to the track at the Snetterton circuit in a pair of identical Nissan 370Z cars. The pair recorded 10th and 11th place finishes respectively in the 750 All Comers event but, more importantly, secured valuable signatures that will assist them in their bid to qualify for an ‘International C’ race licence.

Lorenzini and Tresson were winners of the recent GT Academy 2010 event at Silverstone, which took place from 26 February – 2 March. The racing driver’s boot camp saw the pair beat off hot competition from around the world to impress a panel of judges that included Eddie Jordan, Johnny Herbert and Nürburgring specialist Sabine Schmitz.

The 18 competitors that attended Silverstone were chosen in national finals contested on the Gran Turismo game on PlayStation®3. Over 1.2 million gamers from 17 different countries entered the original competition.

Luca Lorenzini from near Mantova in Italy and Jordan Tresson from Villers La Montagne in northern France returned to the UK last Monday (8 March). The Snetterton race was the beginning of a comprehensive training programme that sees them living near the RJN Motorsport team in Oxfordshire for nearly two months. They will participate in a series of national races in the hope of qualifying for an international licence in time for the start of the European GT4 Cup. Only one driver will be selected to race the full season in a race-prepared, 400bhp Nissan 370Z GT car.

The 750 MC season opener at Snetterton was a tough test for the pair. They were racing on road tyres in standard 370Z cars, but were up against some quick, open-top, slick-shod sports cars such as Radicals and Ginettas. However, both drivers impressed their new team boss, Bob Neville.

“I am happy with a good solid start”, said the experienced boss of the PlayStation Nissan team. “This was about getting used to being on a track with lots of other cars around. The fact that most of the cars were a much faster class than ours and were on slick tyres was probably quite useful in terms of making Luca and Jordan very aware of what was going on around them and adjusting lines to let people past safely. This is all part of what a racing driver has to learn.

“Their pace was virtually identical. Jordan was slightly quicker in qualifying but Luca’s fastest lap in the race was a fraction quicker and he finished ahead. What I am very pleased about is that Luca and Jordan are behaving like team-mates and helping each other. With only one drive in the European GT4 Cup at stake there was a danger that they would be competing against each other, but I am pleased that they are both taking the right attitude”.

Having raced on Saturday, Jordan and Luca acted as race marshals on Sunday, which is an important learning activity that also earned them an extra ‘signature’ to build up towards the all-important licence. Coupled with a signature for the Advanced ARDS achieved at Silverstone during the week and one for the race, both are progressing well with a total of three signatures each.

But it was the racing that was obviously more exciting for the new drivers.

“I really enjoyed the race,” enthused 21-year-old automotive engineering student Jordan Tresson. “We didn’t go as fast as I would have liked, but our goal was to stay on track and not take risks. We finished in good places and got two signatures. I’ve been enjoying the training this week, we’ve been in the gym every day. Our next big race is at Pembrey and I’m looking forward to it as we get more time on the track.”

Echoing his sentiments, Luca felt they got off to a positive start: “It was a nice weekend,” said the 26-year old mechanic. “The car felt great, it was prepared well, there were no mistakes out on the track. I had so much fun at this event I can’t wait to race again.”

Luca and Jordan will be back on-track on 27 and 28 March at Pembrey circuit, where they will compete in a round of the Welsh Sports and Saloons Championship.

News and views on GT Academy 2010 and progress on Luca and Jordan’s training can be followed on various platforms including:

www.facebook.com/GTAcademy | http://eu.gran-turismo.com | www.twitter.com/GTAcademy www.youtube.com/gtacademy2010 | www.flickr.com/photos/GTAcademy2010

 

[Vince_Fiero]

I actually did not realise what it said on the Twitter of Jordan:

3 out of the needed 12 Signatures have already been obtained by the drivers:

1) 30 minutes in a 370Z on the Stowe Circuit, Silverstone
2) 750 Motor Club All Comers in Snetterton
3) Marshalling : Snetterton

Not bad for a first week, this week they are at home though.

 

[Vince_Fiero]

It seems now that 2 future events are confirmed (last info from Luca):

Both Welsh Sports and Saloons Championship:
http://www.wrda.co.uk/2010_welsh_champ_regs/2010_provisional_dates.htm

27 /28th March Pembrey Rounds 1,2,3
18th April Mallory Park Rounds 4.5

 

[Vince_Fiero]

Interview in Local news paper (L'essentiel) with Jordan Tresson (living in France, but very close to Luxembourg):

http://www.lessentiel.lu/news/grande_region/story/30032992

Jordan Tresson
"We feel the same thing at the screen as in the car"

VILLERS–LA–MONTAGNE - At 22 years old, Jordan Tresson is about to realize the dream of every fan of racing games: he moved to real cars and could well become professional race car driver.

To monitor the performance of Jordan, the young man has a blog, but also a facebook group, plus a dedicated twitter.

L'essentiel: How do you end up in race cars when you are a fan of video games?

Tresson Jordan: Actually, I've always been a big fan of Gran Turismo (racing simulation game, Ed), so when the competition around the free demo of Gran Turismo 5 came online, I started running it. I managed to qualify for the French final, on the Castellet circuit, with nineteen other competitors. And finally, I finished in the first two, which has opened the doors of the final competition which was held at Silverstone. And there, the battles moved away from virtual, and was actually in real race cars.

At Silverstone you are confronted with the best virtual pilots in the world?

Yes. We were a total of eighteen, from European countries but also Australia and New Zealand. And this time, we faced each other on the track, including using a Nissan 370 Z with 340HP. What is impressive is that one feels almost the same thing to the screen in the car. Although a few differences, like the sensation you feel in the cockpit of the car, but things are really very similar. All competitors who drove at Silverstone were far from being ridiculous on the runway.

So all good drivers console can become a pilot ...

Not quite. In the French final, for example, many competitors have struggled to get used to the atmosphere because it is a real competition and no longer alone in their living room facing the screen. To achieve to qualify, the competitor must quickly get in a bubble and ignore the pressure, because the races are done face-to-face. For my part, I am Zen, so these conditions do not really bothered me.

This is what permitted you to qualify again for the next step ...

I believe so ... Of the eighteen people in competition, we are actually only two to achieve the ultimate goal of getting a wheel for a full season in GT4 Cup, a competition that combines Aston Martin, Corvette, of Maserati of Porsche GT3 or Ferrari 430 still on circuits like Spa-Francorchamps, Magny-Cours or even the Nurburgring. The season begins May 2 this year, so I still have a month to get my final wheels.

The selection will be made by whom?

This is the team of GT4 Cup which will decide if Luca (Luca Lorenzini, Ed) or me who will drive the car for the entire season. The date of the announcement is not yet known, but this may be the end of April, even just the evening before the first race ...

And in the event of a failure, what will you do?

I go back to my automotive engineering studies that I am currently following in the Paris suburbs. I could perhaps become race engineer, while working on regular cars interests me as well.

Speaking of regular cars, what behavior have you on the road everyday?

I try to be wise, even if it is not always simple, because it's not only with my life that I play with on the road, but also with that of others. Besides, I drive a Peugeot 207 diesel, so not really a big risk.


Author of the original in French: Jean-Michel Hennebert

 

[Vince_Fiero]

Jordan Tresson Blog:

Thursday, March 25, 2010
Arrival in England and departure for Pembrey
Back in the land of the big Brits. The weather is typical: not too hot, rain ... I think we will not use our semi-slick tires this weekend ...

Before going to the hotel, we made a detour to the shop to see everyone and for an interview (yes, journalists already ... ) and to discuss the program this weekend .

Speaking of this weekend, tomorrow, starting early (sunrise 6:30 am, breakfast at 7 and 7:30 departure) because it is a good five hour drive ahead. It promises to be long ...

Now, a good shower and a good meal and an early night tonight to try to be fit tomorrow.

=============

Luca @ Thus 25 March 5:57pm on Facebook:
I just arrived at the hotel; tomorrow up at 6:30 and 5 clock hours of travel to get to Pembrey!!

 

[PrudentBear]

I'm thinking of going along to Mallory to cheer on Jordan and Luca - anyone fancy a GTP mini meet?

 

[Vince_Fiero]

I'm thinking of going along to Mallory to cheer on Jordan and Luca - anyone fancy a GTP mini meet?

Not in the UK, so difficult for me to join, but do contact Jordan and Luca on their e-mail or Facebook to meet up. I'm quite certain they are open to that.

They seem a bit reluctant on using English in their quick communications, but both study/work in technical domains and do understand quite a bit.

 

[Vince_Fiero]

Luca Lorenzini fifth at the checkered flag in race 1 (Pembrey 27 March)
and fifth in race 2
and a flat tire while I was third in race 3 ..
Luca continues to hold on to the next will surely be better ....

Anybody got a site with full results?

 

[Vince_Fiero]

2 More dates have become clear:

Sunday, April 4th Mallory Park 750 Motor Club - All Comers class
Monday, April 5th Castle Combe Castle Combe GT

By the way: http://www.rjnmotorsport.com/ now has GTPlanet on their site as link, to an article of Jordan about the winners!
A bit strange, went back to take a picture of this, since I believed it was an error and could not find anything anymore. When I click on the picture of Luca and Jordan holding the trofees I still end up on GTPlanet.
Edit: Got it again this morning:

Message from Lucas on his twitter: @GTPlanetNews thanks again for your support!! I'll keep u informed about he sponsors... ;-)

edit: GTPlanetNews = GTPlanet on twitter

 

[Vince_Fiero]

From the blog of Jordan:

Saturday, 27/08, Pembrey, Qulifiers
Discovery of the circuit and running in the new brake pads to start the session. We also had semi-slick rather than the Pirelli P Zero Rosso (which are road tires).

The session went well, I did not take too much risk and I increased the pace a bit at the end maintaining a good margin. So I am 1 "2 behind Luca and 5th position on the grid (surprise!). So I'm pretty happy with the session because I know I can go much faster during the race.

On the other hand, I had a lot of understeer (which I hate) so I talked a little with the team to make some changes before the race. So, we decided to raise the back a little so the front tires get more load during braking.

Saturday, 27/08, Pembrey, Course 1 / 3
Flying start in 5th position, just behind Luca (who was 3rd). Everything goes well, I find myself just behind him after the 1st turn (it is then 4 and 5). I am very settled behind him for 6 or 7 laps.

We begin to catch up with a few laggards. Loca takes the inside in a battle in the last corner. I come out of the corner much stronger and on the straight by the pit stops, I'm at his height, on the inside. I out brake him and I reach 4th position, he is 5th. I manage quite well the other passing moves and we remain in close formation.

At 2 or 3 laps remaining, he is behind me, but under braking for the hairpin, he changes position slightly and then places himself to my inside. It blocks his wheels, so I keep going straight to avoid collision and Luca lets me pass just after. I do not know if it was really a mistake on his part or if he attempted to overtake, but still the clash was not far. He said it was a mistake, I tend to believe, but it still looked frankly at a passing attempt so ... We are drivers, so we'll never tell the real truth on a move.

The race ends without any worry, and just out of the car, we are summoned at the truck by Bob for an explanation. Luca gets told off because Bob thinks he attempted to overtake and congratulated me for having avoided the crash with such accuracy. So I scored some big points and Luca lost, which is pretty positive for me.

Regarding the car, I changed my driving style and the changes made have really helped to change the behavior of the car, which is good new.

Tomorrow I start in 4th position, just ahead of Luca, but I'm on the outside of the track, which is not very good. Anyway, we'll see how it goes.

Saturday, 27/08, Pembrey, Race 2 / 3
The departure was in accordance positions yesterday so I'm leaving 4th and Luca 5th (always a rolling start).

I leave without issue, by cons I see in my mirrors Luca who is a little stuck on the spot. I'm still 4th after the 1 break point, while Luca is 6th in battle with the pilot who has passed. I do not worry, and continue to attack and the race runs without issues. I keep Luca (who returned to 5th place) in my mirrors at a reasonable distance. We finished the race about 3 "apart.

The car behaved a little better than yesterday (even if the setup was not changed) probably due to a little more rubber on the track. This afternoon, we will start again from 4th and 5th and we'll see how it goes.

Saturday, 27/08, Pembrey, Race 3 / 3

Before departure, the team made some changes to our cars (without telling us which) to see our feelings.

So I go in the same position as this morning, on the outside with Luca on the inside but a few meters behind.

From 1 braking point, he takes my inside and I have no other choice but to let go and take the place behind him. I try to stay behind him, but he is really fast and I'm losing time every lap. We reach the heavy traffic and suddenly I see smoke in front of me and Luca off the track.

Remainders of the rim of Luca from his facebook page:

I keep going and after passing the pits, I saw his car stopped with a wheel missing. I finished the race 5th behind the Ginetta and the Clio Cup. I could have gone for a battle with them, but I chose to remain calmly behind and finish the race without problems.

The changes to the car did not really suit me, the front was too soft and in the end of the race, the brakes lost a bit efficiency. I had a little more understeer and yet, I improved my time.

So I finished the weekend before Luca in every race (even if I'm lucky in the last race because he was really faster). But hey, flat tires are part of the game: I got one at Snetterton, but I was lucky that it was during the last round of testing. He had no luck with this one.

Overall, it was a very good weekend in terms of experience gained and points scored in the eyes of the team.

 

[Vince_Fiero]

Updates from the GT Academy on Facebook:

From France and Italy to High-Speed Thrills in Wales, UK

30 Mar 2010 at 12:12pm
Pembrey (Wales) – Sunday 28 March, 2010 – The winners of the GT Academy 2010, PlayStation® and Nissan’s quest to turn a virtual driver into a real one, were back on track this weekend. Frenchman Jordan Tresson (21) and Italian Luca Lorenzini (26) raced a pair of Nissan 370Z cars in the opening round of the Welsh Sports and Saloon Car Championship.

With a very clear brief to finish the races, in order to qualify for the all important ‘signatures’ that the pair need to gain an International C Race Licence, the Gran Turismo® gamers-turned-drivers performed well. Saturday saw qualifying and a race, in which Tresson finished fourth and Lorenzini fifth out of 12 starters. Sunday’s second race of the weekend saw exactly the same result for the PlayStation Nissan Team. With both available signatures secured, team boss Bob Neville allowed them to take part in a third race on the Sunday. Lorenzini was running in third place when a wheel issue forced him to retire. His teammate, Tresson, went on to finish in fifth.

The pair are faced with a difficult balance in the fight to emerge as the overall winner of GT Academy 2010, and a full-season’s drive in the European GT4 Cup. With little time to spare in the pursuit of the correct licence to allow one of them to compete in the opening round of the series at Silverstone on 1 and 2 May, both drivers have to ensure that they finish all their races safely. At the same time, each is desperate to prove that he is faster than his teammate, and so the natural choice to win the drive in the 400bhp Nissan 370Z GT4.

“We are on schedule,” explained RJN Motorsport owner Neville. “The two signatures gained at Pembrey takes us to five each for the drivers. One more and they can upgrade their licences to a ‘National A’.

“However, there is still very little margin for error in our schedule to have all 12 signatures and be ready to race in the GT4s at Silverstone. So I did have to give both drivers a serious talking to after Saturday’s race at Pembrey. Both cars and both drivers are very evenly matched, so I was concerned to see Luca trying to sling-shot Jordan onto a straight as they headed towards a tight corner. Luckily Jordan pulled off-line and an accident was avoided. They are racers and both want to be the overall winner, but, at this stage, I don’t want to see anything on track that might jeopardise our programme.

“On a more positive note, both drivers are showing good car control. We have also started working with them on making set-up changes and seeing how the car reacts. Both have shown a good understanding of and feeling for the changes.”

“This weekend has been a great experience,” commented Jordan Tresson. “I am very tired now, but it was really good racing. It was nice to have a short break to go home and see family and friends, but we are back in the UK for a while now. We move into a new house tonight and will be doing some physical training this week. Then next weekend we go to Mallory Park and Castle Combe. We have been very busy watching videos of all the circuits we are racing and also looking them up on YouTube to give us an idea of what to expect.”

His Italian teammate, but also competitor for the ultimate prize of a full-season’s drive in the Nissan 370Z GT4 car, was equally enthusiastic about the weekend. “It was fantastic,” said Luca Lorenzini. “I really liked the Pembrey track. It was quite a mix of corners and quite technical. It was much nicer in reality than it looked on the videos we had watched. I was a little disappointed with my first race, I didn’t really drive cleanly. However, Sunday was better and it was a shame to have had a technical issue while I was running up in third place in the second race.

“It was good to have had a week back at home. All my family and friends were very excited about what I’m doing. Luckily my Dad is doing OK in the family garage. He has to work harder for sure without me there, but he is being very supportive about what I’m doing.”

A busy Easter weekend lies ahead for the GT Academy pair as their tour of UK race circuits continues. They will race at Mallory Park on Sunday and at Castle Combe on Easter Monday.

 

[Vince_Fiero]

From the Blog of Jordan Tresson

Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Wednesday, 31/03
Today we had an appointment at the Porsche Experience Center for a session of weight training with Gareth. The session went well for both of us: no concern for me, but Luca had more trouble.

We left at 9:30 (to be there at 13h ... -_-'). Except we did a detour to the Nissan Center at Cranfield (with Hugh) who continued with a 370Z while we continued with a Qashqai +2 to Silverstone. We found something to eat then we did our training session. Then we went to say hello to those who were our instructors for the GT Academy (who are instructors at Silverstone) and then returned to the cottage after running some errands.

So, tonight I cooked pasta with pesto and we'll spend our evening watching Top Gear, which is to tell the truth, the only occupation when you're at the cottage ... Impatient to see the PS3 that they sent to us arrive.

 

[Vince_Fiero]

Seems I missed some reports of Luca, + he gave late updates on last weekend.

March 14 Snetterton race comments

The race yesterday was a pleasure. The aim was do the race clean to obtain an international license, so there was no ambition to the final result: this made it even more fun since there is no pressure. In addition the Nissan 370Z is new and so we had to go cautious ...
The morning only 15 minutes to try out the track I had never seen before (except in some movie on youtube): The great thing is that those 15 minutes are worth it!
In fact I started last (sixteenth) except for Jordan, but after 15 minutes I notice I got to tenth and eleventh for Jordan, after some nice overtaking.
Incidentally, we went faster then the qualifying time by 4 seconds, if only there were more practice ...

March 27
Races 1, 2 and 3 of the Welsh Sports and saloons Championship.

I start not too bad, 3rd in qualifying behind two Ginetta ...
Today is the race.


Here is the report of the Pembrey event, although a bit 'late ...

FRIDAY 'March 26, 2010
Wake up at 6:30! So the race weekend begins after having stayed in a hotel (the cottage for us was not free until Sunday night) not far from the headquarters of the RJN Motorsport. After traveling for about 4 hours we finally arrive at Pembrey circuit in Wales, I knew it was a former military airport; but honestly I thought there was still an operational military barracks on the edge ... In any case when we got into the paddock in the morning the truck carrying the RJN Nissan 370 Jordan and I get to drive over the weekend had already arrived. After downloading the cars there are about twenty minutes before having to return to the hotel, me and Jordan decided to use them to make a couple of laps, mountain biking, just to get an idea of how the track because until then we had only seen some camera car shots on the Internet.
2 April

Saturday, March 27, 2010
Wake up at 6.30! On Saturday morning we start early because we participate in the briefing and the 370Z should be verified by the commissioners.
Last check of the cars and we are ready to leave for 15 minutes of qualifying. As always we start with a very mild pace just to learn the track and be sure to finish at least 3 laps required to qualify for the race. Lap after lap the confidence with the car and the track improves and of course the lap times come down ending at very good results. Back in the paddock we exchange some words with the mechanics but the car is fine for me, only a small change to the driver's seat to allow me to feel more comfortable but nothing really significant.
Quick lunch to run to the pre-race briefing, after which we are almost ready to enter the track. Unlike the first race at Snetterton here it is a running start, everyone must then be aligned at the grid at constant speed until the red light goes off. Everything goes well in starting; I start with carefull steps with the car since the tires are still cold. Gradually I try to insist on finding the limit. After a few laps, I begin to have some minor driving errors out of tje corners, where I can not properly take the right path.
Five minutes from the end I also had a block at the front wheels at a moment when I was close to Jordan, there was obviously no contact but the way we drive is not liked by Bob Neville; at the end of the race we got a warning recommending to pay more attention in the next races and drive cleaner.
2 April

Sunday, March 28, 2010 - Race 2
Sunday, 2 races on the program, first a little before noon and the other in the late afternoon. While the team is filling up the cars and give it a last I check, Jordan and I enjoy the truck races (Note: If I understood correctly, they did go on the track driving the trucks)! It 's really amazing how such heavy vehicles with 1000 horsepower can feel so easy on a track.

After putting on overalls, helmet, gloves; the start of race 2 is imminent, there are no qualifiers it is just the next race. During the warm up lap I think about the race yesterday, the mistakes made and try to focus on having a good race this time.

Despite some minor issues in the gear changes (the Nissan 370Z that I'm using has the gear stick on right and I can assure you that changing with the left hand is not easy when not used to it ...) the race ends without too many obstacles, Jordan reaches 4 ° and I just behind but recording the fastest lap.
We parked the cars in the paddock immediately and received congratulations from Bob and the team.
2 April

Sunday, March 28 - Race 3

The third race is scheduled for 16:20; half hour earlier then expected so we plunge immediately back into the race, the red traffic light goes off and this time an excellent start, at the first corner and gaining a position from 5 to 4th. There I find the right feeling with the car, it is fast and steady and I try not to commit any mistakes. That way after only 4 laps I find myself on the heels of the Clio Cup, that till that moment was running times unattainable for us.

I follow him for a couple of laps and take a bit 'measures to try to overtake under braking at the first turn and execute a bit later, at this point 3 rd position.

I continue with my pace for another 3 or 4 laps until just before the final turn another competitor got a puncture to the left front tire, the debrie makes me completely lose grip at the front and I end up in the grass.
In addition, my tires hitting the cemented curb outside of the curve, damages the wheels forcing me to retire from the race.
Too bad to go out this way when everything was going perfectly, but you know the races are not over until the checkered the flag, so anything can happen. However the 2 signatures for the license had already been obtained in the first 2 races, so this helped me just as experience.

It 'was a really good weekend, Saturday and Sunday my performance in the race has progressed steadily improving as the lap times and also the relationship with the RJN team and Jordan is excellent and this is important to work in a team.
Now I expect to focus on intense physical activity for a week until the next race, next weekend where we race at Mallory Park on Sunday and Monday at Castle Combe.
2 April

 

[Lucasordonez]

Hi guys! This is a great place to keep informed about the new winners!! I'm sure they are enjoying all the time in UK like me last year! It's the best trainning you can have to be ready for a GT4 season!

Only one thing about Vince_Fiero following pages. My agency changed the Fan club to this link http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lucas-Ordonez/112150848800761?ref=ts

Remenber I will keep you informed from the races in the link above and also in my twitter.

Thanks for your support and good luck for the winners!

Lucas

 

[Famine]

Bugger. I had the timings for these races back on March 28th and completely forgot about this thread.

Belated C&V:

Welsh Sports & Saloons Championship

Qualifying
3rd - L. Lorenzini - 1'07.776
5th - J. Tresson - 1'08.992

Race 1
4th - J. Tresson - 17'11.242
5th - L. Lorenzini - 17'11.609 (fastest lap in C-class at 1'07.208)

Race 2
4th - J. Tresson - 17'04.298
5th - L. Lorenzini - 17'06.974 (fastest lap in C-class at 1'07.021)

Race 3
5th - J. Tresson - 17'11.082
DNF - L. Lorenzini - DNF (fastest lap in C-class at 1'07.195)

 

[Vince_Fiero]

Lucas, update done, I did get a message from the old site, did not look in the details yet.

Famine thanks for that detail, it confirms:

Luca is fast, very fast.
Jordan delivers, puts the team less at risk.

Lets see where this battle with the different styles is going and who can convince to get the place in the Nissan Playstation team for GT4 this year.

A new French article came out on the GT Academy and Lucas (above in battle in Spa-Francorchamps) the man that proved a successful GT4 season coming from the Nissan GT Academy is possible.
http://www.lucasordonez.com/media/16-17-playstation.pdf

A bit a free interpretation of this text:

BECOME MORE AND MORE REALISTIC EVERY UPDATE,
GRAN TURISMO - THE BEST-SELLER RACING GAME FOR PS3
Claims to be a real race simulator on playstation.
So consider that an excellent player can be a good driver in reality, driving a real car.
This is the huge gamble that SONY and Nissan have decided to take with the GT ACADEMY.

The jury of the GT Academy believes that it is possible to do the transfer from virtual to reality. More then 1,2 million people downloaded the time trial to win the GT Academy, some people played 9 hours none stop to reach the national final, but few succeeded.

After the national finals the virtual steering was traded in for real ones: 125cc kart, Nissan 370Z, Nissan GT-R, Formula Ford and Nissan 370Z GT4. This is with participants of which many never drove on a real circuit.

Most accustomed to drive in the quiet comfort of their home, now the participants are in stress in the real world. Their profile is not typical for that of future professional race pilots: they are between 19 and 32 years, all are new competition, the German is a social worker, the Dutchman piano teacher, the Portuguese business man, the Italian engineer, British computer programmer, Belgian worker in washing powder plant ... All have a common denominator: they spend a good part their leisure - some of their hours
work too! - To play Gran Turismo on PlayStation.

Motivation, intelligence and talent to drive, tune, get the last millisecond gain out of the car are very similar in simulation compared to reality. Coming from Johnny Herbert, this means something. The real difference is the risk, in simulation you play with the limit without risk, where in real life ....

Airline pilots had to pass on the virtual machines since ages before taking a real flight. Some car race pilots were looking for the best simulators already, most racing teams build their own simulators.
The real proof came with Lewis Hamilton, in a period where the time on the track for F1 was limited, he put himself in front of the simulator for an extensive amount of hours and impressed on the track afterwards. Sure Hamilton had already proven his worth in different category of races, but then GT4 is not F1 either. So it is well possible that the winner of the GT Academy also will surprise on the track this year.

LUCAS proved it:
The story of the guy who was playing on his console and became a professional racer is a remake. PlayStation had already organized the GT Academy in 2008 and Lucas Ordonez, a Spanish student of 24 years, had won the jackpot. Originally, it was an invitation to share the driving with Johnny Herbert and Rob Barff at the 24 Hours of Dubai.
But Lucas was so convincing that a program in FIA GT4 was rapidly put on its feet. With outstanding results following: 2 wins, 6 podiums and 2nd place in the league (with the British Alex Buncombe). "The race is in the family genes. My father
was rally driver in Spain, my brother drives single seaters and I used to do karting.
Unfortunately, due to lack of money, I had to abandon. The GT Academy
PlayStation put me back on the circuit. Today I sacrifice everything for the race. My goal is one day to be an official driver for Nissan in the GT1 World Championship. This year I'm going back with RJN in GT4 with the team's second car. I must first win the championship before aiming higher. "

 

[Vince_Fiero]

From the Blog of Jordan Tresson, Tuesday, April 6, 2010:

Saturday, 04/04, Mallory Park

This Easter Sunday, we are at Mallory Park for a single race in the category of "All Comers" which means the majority are open cars much quicker than us ...

The qualifications are running on a very tricky track. Some places are quite dry and others really wet. We started with road tires (new) because we had to them break in for when it would be raining and because we thought it would be wetter than it was in the end. In retrospect the optimal choice was semi-slick, but since the goal is not to put down the fastest times, there was no issue having the wrong tires.

During the qualifying, I was not entirely comfortable with the car. The grip suddenly changed and the new asphalt in "The Esses" had a very low level of grip. So I was careful not to exit the track.

For the race, we chose to use semi-slicks because the track was dry and the sun came out from time to time. Initially, I take a good start and go through the first turns without problems. I quietly followed my rhythm with Luca at a very reasonable distance, as I could see in my rear view mirrors (about 4 seconds I think). But suddenly, the Striker before me has a problem (wheel lock) and went into a tailspin. I move to the outside of the turn to avoid it, no worries. Except for the next round, the car is still there, so the race is stopped with the red flag to evacuate.
It is back on the grid in the order they were before the red flag. new beginning, but this time, I missed my start since I missed my way into 2nd. Luca passes between the side rail and me and the Corsa behind me passes on the other side. I am behind Luca who is himself behind the Corsa. In the (very very very) long right of Gerrard's Bent, the Corsa is in a big drift in the middle. In the straight, Luca tries to pass at the right (thank you Nissan V6). The driver moves to the middle of the track to complicate the task of Luca. I decided to try my luck at the left of the Corsa. It is therefore 3 cars in formation to brake, since I brake last, I takes the advantage. If you want a good view of the passing (except that I passed on the outside and not inside), look here:


A few minutes from the end, rain drops begin to fall, but only at the hairpin turn and banked turn at the end of the circuit (while the circuit is only 2.1 km ...). Fortunately, there has been no real rain so I finished the race ahead of Luca without too much trouble.

Signatures: 6 / 12! We now got the National level A for our license and we can finally remove that horrible cross on our rear bumper!

P.S.: Luca wrote on his Facebook yesterday "continue to disagree with the change to his left ...", might be concerning the same passing move as described above.

 

[Vince_Fiero]

Some more posts of Jordan Tresson April 6, 2010:

Monday, 05/04, Castle Combe, Sports & GT qualifications

This Easter weekend, we entered into 2 different categories so we were entitled to 2 rounds of qualifying and 2 races (with different opponents).

The meeting went well, with as 1st task of discovering the circuit (as always). The sequence Avon Bridge and Quarry is very very very impressive! For those who know the Nurbs is a kind of chaining Pflantzgarten to Flugplatz. It's really bumpy, you get very scared (because we arrive at 230 km/h) but how did I enjoy this!

Luca and me, our times were very close (if not similar) since we were separated by ... 39 milliseconds. We were therefore qualified in 10th and 11th position which is quite reasonable compared to cars that ran against us.

Regarding the car, it was well balanced but a little too soft on the bumps of the Avon Quarry complex. The car plunged too much to the front and pumped a little so I could not feel really comfortable to brake the way I wanted. A small change of setup was required. After consulting with the team, we decided to go on a rigid suspension (front / rear) 8 / 5 for the 2nd qualifying session instead of 5 / 5 for the first qualifying session.


Monday, 05/04, Castle Combe, Open Sports Qualification
2nd qualifying session the day. We were the slowest on the track because we were fighting against the Radical, Lotus Exige, Caterham and so on. That means everyone got doubled 1 or 2 times per lap, so I had no clear lap to set a good qualifying lap and I finished 1 second behind Luca. But hey, qualifying is one thing, the race is another.
On the grid, we are 18th and 20th.

Regarding the car, the feeling was better than in the 1st qualifying session but not yet perfect. It was therefore decided to tighten the rear to get to 8 / 8 and see what it would give in the race (which will be the 1st of our 2 races, even if there was a qualifying session after it).

Monday, 05/04, Castle Combe Sports & GT Race
1st of 2 races this weekend, the race has been dubbed a friendly race with Luca, it was a "mad race" because a lot of drivers were behaving very close to the limit during the qualifiers, and everyone was faster than us.

I am last on the grid since the CRX that was behind me in qualifying, for some unknown reason, decided not to start. The start happened without too much trouble, I remain stuck behind Luca but failed to prove myself and overtake.
It is fairly fast pace, where the other competitors left us behind and we squabble a bit amongst ourselves because I want to try to pass. Luca made no fault and I know it's the only condition that can allow me to pass since we are running similar lap times. So I look forward to the arrival of the fastest drivers passing us to try to take advantage of it. But I can never really stay behind the faster drivers to pass Luca and he always manages to close the door before I can interpose myself.
At 2 or 3 occasions, I might have tried something, but it was risky (despite that, if it was not my teammate in front of me, I think I would have attempted an attack at one time or another) . So, I spend my whole race behind Luca without being able to pass and we finish last and before last.

However, the main thing we achieved: we have our 7th signature.

With the suspension set on 8 / 8, the behavior of the car is very good and I'm really comfortable in the car. Not too many body movements over the bumps and a really good performance in all corners, except for a little bit of understeer in each left in the chicanes.

Monday, 05/04, Castle Combe Open Sports Race
2nd race of the day, much less "out of rhythm compared to the other racers" than the 1st race.

The red lights turn off and I do not take a very good start (slipping in 2nd where normally there are no problems, in short ...). The Clio Cup (old generation) at my side and the Corsa behind me pass (the same Corsa which experienced a sandwich between Luca and me at Mallory Park the day before). With the V6 340ch, I pass easily the Corsa before Avon Bridge. Except that the guy does a suicide braking move and takes a position on my inside. Never mind, I say "no worries mate, we remain side by side and at the exit of turn, I ll get you". Except that he takes his normal path as if I was not there and forces me to change line and slow down. In the small straight line, I go to his right, he pushes me a bit, but I'm at the inside in the chicane, no chance for him. But again, he did not agree with me and tried to stay at my side in the chicane ( a suicidal thing ...). I brake a little more to let him go out in the grass as he approached the chicane too fast. I got rid of him for good this time!

I catch up with the Clio Cup and then pass in the straight where the pits are (again, thank you 340ch) and then catch up with Luca, who experiences one or two awkward moments. After 3 laps (of 10), I'm stuck behind him. In the 5th round, he missed a gear change in the longs straight of "Old Paddock Bent". I catch up quickly behind him and then he moves to the right to close the interior in Tower Corner. I therefore placed myself outside, next to him but he keeps the lead. The next round, the same scenario, except that he does not close the right so I rush into the open space to overtake. I am beside Luca, on the inside, no worries, I am ahead.

Once the overtaking done, I create a reasonable gap and end the race with 1 "7 in advance. I lead 5 races compared to 2 for Luca!

More importantly, my 8th Signature! Only 4 left.

Regarding the car, the feeling was not as good as in the 1st race I had understeer in some places and oversteer in others. The times showed the effect: 1'18 "6 at best, 1'18"9 for Luca compared to our 1'18"1 in the 1st race ... The setup of the car did not chang, so I attribute the change in behavior to, the change of conditions and the fuel consumed during the 1st race.

 

[Vince_Fiero]

On the facebook of Luca:

Tonight we have over 300 active fans! Thanks to all.

==============================================

Remember that becoming fans of Lucas (Facebook), Luca(Facebook) and Jordan (Blog) are essential for them to convince sponsors to invest in their carreer. Take the time to click!

+++++++++++++

Edit: More of Luca is availble, will follow shortly.

 

[Vince_Fiero]

Mallory Park 4 April 2010

Saturday, April 3, 2010

14.30: Here begins this intense weekend of racing, in fact I expect a race Sunday at Mallory Park and 2 more races on the circuit Castle Combe in order to get 3 more signatures on the license. After traveling for more than 3 hours we arrive at the cottage (if one can define ...) where I spent probably the worst night of my life, the bed was uncomfortable, the room was not at all soundproof and some "nice" boys were shouting in the corridor and moving around all night ...

Sunday, April 4, 2010

The next morning (the alarm was at 6.30 ...) I was not really in shape but looked positively to the day, the circuit in the video seemed flat and looked rather monotonous
with quite technical turns.

The 15 minutes of qualifying are hardly sufficient to learn all the trajectories; it became more complicated still since there was wet road at times and dry at others + competitors that have brought dirt on the track; it generated a bit of chaos.

Because of these problems and the traffic on the track I can not make a decent lap and find myself in 15th position behind Jordan.


The English weather decides to be lenient for the race, despite a cold wind and no sign of rain. we decide to mount the semi-slick tires.

The departure this time is from standing still, the traffic light turns off and off we go, I do not slip much; the wheels started well but there are many cars and I have to queue in my position.

After only 9 minutes of the race an a few wrong gear changes I did, the race is stopped since there is a parked car, after it spun and stopped right in the middle of the track, we reposition on the grid for a new start which goes very well again for me, unlike Jordan who was in front of me, but missed a gear change and at this point I find myself having to squeeze in the narrow corridor between the 370Z and the edge of the track. So the first corner I 'm positioned in front of another competitor and I try to close the path.

I follow him through the first long bend to the right and eventually I move to pass him but I can not position myself to have the optimal curve exit before they start braking on my left and Jordan is exploiting the best curve exit, has a higher speed and then pulls a sharp cut off, realizing his move held the door open. To avoid any contact I place myself behind him as in the first round.

So we finish our race in the tenth and eleventh place with a curious note, we both did our best time on lap 5, Jordan 53.27 and I 53.26!

Fast recovery of the license after the race, load the machines and left because we expect tomorrows 2 races at Castle Combe, so we want to get there and it is 3 hours away.

Castle Combe 5 April 2010

MONDAY 'April 5, 2010

Despite that the alarm is still set at 6.30; I'm very relaxed and I slept comfortably, we are motivated and want to do well in the 2 races.

We begin the first qualification, there is traffic on the track but that does not prevent me from finding the trajectories and braking points, return to the pits and with Jordan going to control the times, the second surprise we still recorded the fastest time on the same lap and our difference is about 39 milliseconds!

We return to the paddock, but no time to get out off the car, since we need to be immediately ready for the second qualification. Bob Neville tells us to do only 5 or 6 laps and then return to change to the spare tires on the car for the races.

The race is nothing short of an impressive classroom with us against open sports cars, obviously much quicker than us, and traffic is chaotic, yet I can put down 2 good laps and improve the performance of the previous session.

After a pasta dish (the British insist to call it this but perhaps they have never tasted
Pasta in Italy ...) and a couple of hours of waiting we are ready for race 1 where we compete together with the open sports cars.

The start goes without a glitch. The race goes between Jordan and me because we are passed many times by the other competitors whose cars are really fast.

Only towards the end of the race we have a clear track to choose our paths and try to pass.

It brings us to the checkered flag I'm 10th and Jordan is right behind me, the third surprise: in this race we register our best performance in the same lap this time around just 16 milliseconds difference!

There is a pause of 1 hour and I ask the mechanics to lower slightly the car at the rear because in a couple of corners I expirence too much oversteer and do not have the traction needed to get out of the corners as fast as I want which makes me lose time.

We are therefore ready for the second race, again started well, passed a couple of cars including Jordan and try to take my race pace.

The car is slightly better than the first race even if the tires had more grip in the morning but instead I make gear change mistakes, this causes me obvious loss of time that allows Jordan to catch up. Yet another error in one of my shifts and I decide to stay on the outside and allow a trajectory for Jordan to pass, which puts me behind him in 7th position.

I really need to improve on this point, shifting with my left arm is very limiting in the race and that for the next races I will be even more concentrated on this.

To sum up this long Easter weekend: they are still satisfied with my performance and the one of Jordan. We are surprisingly close even Bob Neville and mechanics could hardly believe it, but I improved steadily, I still struggle with the left hand shifting and it limits how I can express myself, especially under braking, where fear of failure keeps me from trying a really hard push.

As for the tracks, we are very happy to compete, Mallory Park is a historic circuit and the last downward curve is very impressive.

Castle Combe is even better, very technical with many ups and downs where you should be ingood balance with the car's steering and throttle and I can assure you that putting the car ready for the second corner where you should begin to slow down the car while it is close to 230 km/h is an emotion that only those who did it can understand.

 

[PrudentBear]

I was at Mallory on Easter Sunday and was very impressed. Unfortunately I missed the "allcomers" practice session which ended at 9.30 due to me not getting up early enough but it was good to see Jordan and Luca in action in a non GT Academy race. They both drove very smartly and while it was obvious they were well within the limits and could have pushed a little harder if they need to, they did exactly what was required to obtain the signature. They both did particularly well to manage some "enthusiastic" driving from one or two of the other entrants and stay safe.

I had a quick word with them before lunch and both were happy with the way things were progressing. Luca seemed a bit grouchy which was understandable due to the lack of sleep in the Comfort Inn in Leicester and the cold weather but Jordan was his usual relaxed and happy self.

Pictures here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=209329&id=680994187&l=e1d4cedd1f

 

[Vince_Fiero]

Time for a personal opinion:

Jordan seems to impress with results, where the first reports he seemed a bit too "safe" the last write-ups give the impression he is really fighting and going closer to the edge to prove his worth. It seems to work.

Luca had faster times, but seems to have lost that advantage a bit last weekend, mainly by not getting used to the left hand shifting. However he is constantly driving well and it seems the incident in "Pembrey" is behind us and there is trust in his capability to deliver for the team.

Suspense on who will start in the GT4 season could not get higher and the Nissan Playstation team seems to have made excellent choices in the GT Academy 2010. Although we know also the others that made it to Silverstone were excellent as well as many others that did not make it.

4 signatures to go = we are missing at least 2 races, since only 2 are known to us at this time;

and 25 days before the start of the GT4 season.

As Luca put it on his twitter: Good w.e. lot of fun and 3 signature more!!!!

 

[Vince_Fiero]

Thursday 8 April 2010 from Jordan Tresson

On Board Car cameras!!

Due to the superbe filming team that is following us around on all races we have on board cameras. (actually since the 1st week-end). And even better : the videos are posted on the net !! Here are the links :

Samedi 27/03, Pembrey :
Practice : http://preview.boombranded.com/player/?flv=JORDAN practice seq.flv
Race 1 : http://preview.boombranded.com/player/?flv=JORDAN race 2 SEQ.flv
Race 2 : http://preview.boombranded.com/player/?flv=JORDAN race 1 seq.flv
Race 3 : http://preview.boombranded.com/player/?flv=JORDAN race 3 seq.flv

The name might not correspond to the race, Andy mixed some stuff up.

Rockingham circuit:

Luca updated us on the missing events

BARC Dunlop Great & British Motorsport Festival
Saturday, April 10th, Sunday, April 11th
Rockingham circuit

 

[Vince_Fiero]

From Jordan Tresson Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Wednesday, 07/04

Today we had an appointment at the Porsche Experience Center for our weekly sports session with Gareth. We left very early this morning (7:45 am) since Darrell came to get us on the way to work.

We therefore came to the workshop at 8 am and afterwards we went to London; to the Motor Sport Association, to see for our licenses. They should be ready tomorrow, so Luca and I are going to have to go back to fetch them.

Then we returned to the work shop to leave directly for Silverstone. After our workout, we returned to the workshop. And here, ohhhh, surprise, a PS3 waiting for us! PERFECT!

We then go back to the apartment, we watch our episode of Top Gear and it was decided to connect the PS3 afterwards. 1st surprise: no 6-Axis! Well, we can go buy one tomorrow at worst. 2nd surprise: no power cord! Here, by cons, we will not be able to do much. So the fantastic to have a PS3, but just as decoration, GREAT!

So at this moment, it is surfing on the net and watching all the episodes of Top Gear found on TV ...

We had some details on the final selection:
There will be a long race (90 minutes), where we share a car. The time during qualifying, will be important, but consistency across the whole race will be even more.
We must test the 370 GT4 around 20 or 21 April and the realised time is of course very important.

The decision should be made just after. It will be important to race very good during these few days, because it will be crucial!

====================

A video from Luca arrived now as well:
http://preview.boombranded.com/player/?flv=LUCA race 3 seq.flv

Edit: it is about at 13:40 that Luca goes of track, it does not seem bad, but once back on the track, he parks the car.

 

[Vince_Fiero]

New post from Jordan Tresson:

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Thursday, 08/04
Today, we went to fetch our new license at the MSA, in a suburb of London. 2h drive round trip, it is worth it to get our "Holy Grail".

Apart from that, the day was fairly quiet. I spent 1:15 in the sports hall (Luca did not want to come, about which I'm not going to complain) this morning and late afternoon was devoted to a critical viewing of episodes of Top Gear on Dave TV (3 new episodes in the day, 5 in total, or 5 hours of Top Gear which is an honorable score).

Tomorrow morning, get up at 5:30 and leaving the workshop at 6:30 for the Dunlop MAXX Cup at Rockingham. A test day Friday, Saturday qualifying and race 1; with race 2 and 3 on Sunday. But, as in Pembrey, we can only have 2 signatures. Above all, one of us will not drive a 370Z but a 350Z.
In fact, Craig Currie, who is the winner of the Nissan Race Academy, won as a reward, a season in the Dunlop MAXX Cup. So he will have the 370Z of Luca tomorrow (and the rest of the season) and Luca and I are going to toss a coin to see who races in the 350Z and who races "my" 370Z.

I'll put summaries of the races online when I have internet access