Gabriele Tarquini had a crucial role in the test organized by Alfa Romeo in Adria yesterday for evaluating possible new drivers. After he shook down the two Alfa Romeo 156 GTA cars used during the test, Tarquini briefed the invited drivers, and then collected their impressions after each run.

“It was very interesting to watch so many drivers on their first experience in a front-wheel-drive racing car. I remember my first time in a similar situation, and although the cars have improved a lot since 1993, the feeling is still the same. Doesn’t matter the experience, the first laps in a front-wheel-drive car are always plenty of problems.”

Under Tarquini’s supervision, a dozen of drivers tested the FIA ETCC cars, among them there were guys who have raced in Formula 1, like Enrique Bernoldi and Tarso Marques. “I have more than ten years of experience in Touring Cars. And this is the reason why I took the liberty to give them some suggestions. But I have to say that the level of the drivers invited was very high, and most of them have an oustanding technical background. Despite the changeable track conditions, nobody went off, nor caused technical failures. At the same time most of the drivers gave interesting information about the car. The whole pack showed a lot of professionalism.” How will they be evaluated? “In these conditions the parameters used for judging become very elusive. I wrote down a report, but I’m happy it’s not up to me to judge them.”