Hyundai’s TCR programme took to the test track for the first time this week, with test driver Gabriele Tarquini completing three days of running at the Motorland Aragón Circuit in Spain.
Although the customer racing department had previously given the new car several shakedown runs, this week’s testing was the first serious running for the new car.
Focussing on working towards a base set-up on the car, Tarquini was able to refine the handling balance through the combination of slow and high-speed corners at the 5.3 km circuit.
The team also worked on engine map settings for the new two-litre turbocharged engine, before returning to their base in Alzenau in Germany.
“The first test of a new car is always a very exciting moment in a project, and to have come through three days without a major problem makes it even better,” said Customer Racing department manager Andrea Adamo.
“We were able to complete all the work that we had set out for the test, which is obviously a nice start to a busy development schedule for the New Generation i30 TCR project.
“We were able to work on the balance of the car, and start developing an initial set-up that we can use in future, not only for the handling, but the important engine and differential settings.
“We can now use these as a base for future tests as we turn our focus to gaining the maximum performance from specific components.”
Further testing of the new car will take place at European circuits during the summer and autumn months, before the first cars are expected to be delivered to customers in early December.