The importance of tests for a kart driver and how to make your laps count

5 TESTS ARE PERFORMED TO OVERCOME THE TRACK AND TYRE VARIABLES, ALTERNATING THE STANDARD SOLUTION TO THE NEW SITUATION TO BE TESTED

TECHNICIANS AND DRIVERS, THEY NEED TO TALK

Races are not only won at weekends, but also through training and private tests, during which the teams work on the preparation of the drivers and engine and chassis technical solutions that can lead to the best possible performance. Dino Chiesa, the CRG team manager and one of the most experienced and successful men of the paddock, explains how they work, because they are fundamental and on what points they insist on during a day on the track.

1 Let’s put it in the most general way possible: what happens during private testing?

Firstly, a premise is necessary: private tests are of utmost importance! Basically, you can do tests with two main objectives: the first is to train the driver, get him/her to practice. This something that certainly cannot be done during a race weekend, because everything has to be focused on arrangements and engine tuning.
The second type of test is instead focused on materials. In particular, the tests on prototype components: on-track testing is the decisive moment in which they are checked for effectiveness, and therefore whether it is worthwhile having additional time during the race week for further tests and decide on the end use.

2 A complex aspect of testing, especially in karting, is the variability of the track conditions, tyres and temperature, even between one session and another. How is all this compensated to perform comparative tests on the various components?

This is absolutely the case. For this reason, we proceed by performing 5 counter tests. In practice: you start with a standard solution, then go back onto the track with the new component or prototype to be tested. Then you return to the pits, refitting the standard component, then the new one again and, finally, back on track with the standard solution. At this point the data is cross-checked via telemetry and objective data is used to find the best solution.

3 How then, is the final choice made? And what are the objective parameters, in addition to those relating to performance and those identified using telemetry?

Races are won if you have few problems over the weekend. Thus, the most important aspect is the reliability of each component. This aspect also precedes that related to performance.
From this point of view, therefore, objective data are findings such as those relating to the characteristics of the axle, which must not be overly brittle, and the brake pads, which must not wear out too quickly. The latter, by the way, also determines the best performance, because it is more constant over time and during the race.

THE IMPORTANCE OFTESTS: HOW THEYARE CARRIED OUT ANDWHAT IS WORKED ON

1 Let’s put it in the most general way possible: what happens during private testing?

2 A complex aspect of testing, especially in karting, is the variability of the track conditions, tyres and temperature, even between one session and another. How is all this compensated to perform comparative tests on the various components?

3 How then, is the final choice made? And what are the objective parameters, in addition to those relating to performance and those identified using telemetry?

THE IMPORTANCE OF
TESTS: HOW THEY
ARE CARRIED OUT AND
WHAT IS WORKED ON