New car gets mixed reactions

The car's laptimes were slower than the best lap set by the old car at the circuit in November, although high winds and a shortage of spares prevented drivers from pushing hard.

But the increased level of aero on the new car has limited the top speed and KTR team boss Kurt Mollekens wants it to be quicker.

"The car has too much downforce. All the aero bits and bobs are nice to look at but they're not bringing a big improvement and their weight is slowing the car down.

"The car was satisfying but there's just a lack of laptime. I think we can take a second off but I'm pretty pessimistic.

"I think we'll be as fast as the old car at Barcelona but with the low top speeds, I fear for Monza."

The car's reliability was widely praised however, and there was a reluctance to draw too many conclusions on the performance just yet.

The first day of testing was abandoned when high winds brought a roof top marquee down onto the paddock, and drivers had already been restricted to one car per pairing.

World Series race winner James Walker was more enthusiastic about the new car's debut.

"I'm really excited, I think it's a good bit of kit. The times weren't as quick immediately because people have had three years to get the most out of the old car.

"You can feel there is a bit more power, but there is more drag on the straights."

Comtec Racing boss Jonathan Lewis added: "The drivers were threatened with death not to crash because we didn't have any spares, so I think we will be a little quicker than the old car."

Series organisers are also considering a return to sideskirts, which were last used in the category in 2005 and would offer a slight performance increase.

"It's up to Renault if we use them," said Lewis. "Personally, I would prefer not to. People got sick of changing six or seven sets a day last time. Every time the car stopped they had to have a new set."