Frentzen runs for Opel

Two of the newcomers to Opel's 2004 driving line-up have had their first test with the team. Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Marcel Fässler tried out the Astra at Vallelunga in Italy as the marque ended its testing for the year

Dec 23, 2003, 10:10 AM

Although the pair are still waiting for the Vectra model they will drive next season, they both found the test a worthwhile experience. Fässler was a Mercedes driver this year, and in Frentzen's case this was his first drive in a modern DTM car.

"It is more fun to drive than I expected," said the Formula 1 refugee. "It drives almost like a sportscar and the powerful engine provides plenty of torque."

"I felt at ease right away," added Fässler. "The engine is particularly good."

Opel's motorsport manager Volker Strycek was satisfied with the test, at which the team also tried out young drivers Romain Dumas and André Lotterer.

"We are very happy with the results of this test," said Strycek. "It has shown that Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Marcel Fässler are two strong new drivers within our team for the upcoming season.

"Lotterer and Dumas made a strong impression and did a good job."

The Vectra car will be ready to run in the new year.