Davies and Priaulx impress new team

Matt Davies and Andy Priaulx have joined the team to replace Aluizio Coelho and Jenson Button. The latter was looking set to rejoin Promatecme for a second season until snapped up by the Williams Formula One team.

Testing at Croft this week was disrupted by poor weather, but team boss Serge Saulnier was still happy with his new charges.

'I am very pleased with the performance of both drivers,' he said. 'Matt comes to the team as the more experienced driver and a favourite to win the championship, but it's good for him that Andy is on the pace, it will motivate him to push even harder.'

Former Fortec driver Davies didn't set a representative dry weather time, but Priaulx managed a stint on new tyres and in dry conditions, setting a best time of 1m14.6s.

'Andy was on the pace within just a few laps, he's going to surprise quite a few people this year,' said technical director Chris Weller. 'Matt was also extremely professional in his attitude and he surely starts the season as a favourite for the title.'