News

• BWT HWA RACELAB duo claims seven top-ten results across the six sessions
• Giuliano Alesi: "We have found a lot of answers to outstanding issues."
• Artem Markelov: "I am confident that we will be totally competitive."
• Thomas Strick: "That is a really impressive result."

Abu Dhabi, 7th December 2019 – The conditions for BWT HWA RACELAB's debut in Formula 2 could hardly have been better: Only towards the end of the test on Saturday afternoon did the rain set in. Up to that point, Abu Dhabi had been bathed in sunshine. The team from Affalterbach lined up with the two drivers it has already confirmed for the 2020 season: Giuliano Alesi (France), son of former Formula 1 driver Jean Alesi, and Artem Markelov (Russia), Formula 2 runner-up in 2017.

Both already have Formula 2 experience, and brought this to play over the course of the three days. The duo held the two fastest times for much of Saturday's final session, as the two BWT HWA RACELAB cars led the way. In the end, Artem and Giuliano finished fourth and fifth.

Artem was among the top ten on three occasions on the first two days, while Giuliano claimed two top-ten results. Artem and Giuliano completed 330 laps in total, of which many were part of long runs. This allowed them to supply the team with important data, which can now be analysed looking ahead to the start of the season. The opening round of the FIA Formula 2 Championship takes place from 20th to 22nd March 2020 in Sakhir/Bahrain.

Giuliano Alesi (20, France, car number 18)
"I am very happy with the tests. We have found a lot of answers to outstanding issues and collected a lot of data, which can now be analysed during the winter. I have settled into the new team very nicely. It is fun to work with BWT HWA RACELAB. I am now looking forward to relaxing a little, and then to the new season, of course."

Artem Markelov (25, Russia, car number 22)
"The tests went really well and we ended them with good results. We tried out a lot with the car - things that would not be possible during a race weekend, particularly with regard to the set-up. However, we were also able to do some start practice and qualifying runs. The team has supplied us with a lot of information. The tests give me confidence that we will be totally competitive in the coming season."

Thomas Strick, Team Principal HWA RACELAB
"We are very happy with the tests. Seven top-ten finishes. That is a really impressive result to start with. Artem and Giuliano confirmed their potential. Regardless of the results, the priority during these three days here in Abu Dhabi was for the teams and drivers to familiarise themselves with the processes for the coming season. That went well. We improved from day to day. We collected a lot of data, which we must now analyse, in order to be as well prepared as possible for the start of the season in March."

Results of the tests at the Yas Marina Circuit:

Day 1, Morning:
1. Mick Schumacher PREMA Racing 1:50.947
8. Artem Markelov BWT HWA RACELAB 1:51.626
18. Giuliano Alesi BWT HWA RACELAB 1:52.721

Day 1, Afternoon:
1. Louis Delétraz Charouz Racing System 1:50.543
5. Artem Markelov BWT HWA RACELAB 1:51.523
10. Giuliano Alesi BWT HWA RACELAB 1:52.091

Day 2, Morning:
1. Marcus Armstrong ART Grand Prix 1:50.436
14. Artem Markelov BWT HWA RACELAB 1:51.193
15. Giuliano Alesi BWT HWA RACELAB 1:51.302

Day 2, Afternoon:
1. Louis Delétraz Charouz Racing System 1:50.124
8. Artem Markelov BWT HWA RACELAB 1:51.536
9. Giuliano Alesi BWT HWA RACELAB 1:51.679

Day 3, Morning:
1. Nikita Mazepin Carlin 1:50.473
16. Artem Markelov BWT HWA RACELAB 1:51.780
18. Giuliano Alesi BWT HWA RACELAB 1:51.972

Day 3, Afternoon:
1. Mick Schumacher PREMA Racing 1:51.569
4. Artem Markelov BWT HWA RACELAB 1:52.060
5. Giuliano Alesi BWT HWA RACELAB 1:52.199