Thousands separates Elias Adestam and Enzo Hallman in first NXT Gen Cup pre-season test
A mere 63 thousands of a second separated Elias Adestam and Enzo Hallman at the top of the first ever official NXT Gen Cup pre-season test days at Gelleråsen Arena, Sweden, where the top eight drivers were covered within seven tenths of a second.
15 brand new 100% electric LRT NXT1 race cars were delivered to the test and ran flawlessly throughout the two test days in hot Swedish summer conditions, with the 15 junior drivers together completing close to 1900 laps and more than 4400 kilometres.
"We have made history today with two fantastic days of testing and plenty of laps for all drivers. It’s a fantastic feeling for everyone involved to see all cars performing well under tough conditions after so many months of development, testing and construction. I'm super proud of all and especially our talented field of NXT Gen Cup juniors who have performed like drivers with a lot more experience. This is a fantastic start for NXT Gen Cup ahead of the Falkenberg season opener," said Fredrik Lestrup, co-founder of NXT Gen Cup.
Former single seater driver Elias Adestam (16) topped the time sheets both days, lapping the 2350 metre Swedish circuit in 1:16.152.
"There has been a lot to take in with an electric car with a roof and front-wheel drive. I've been able to increase the speed for each session and I seem to be there at the top, although it's still only a test. We won’t know exactly how fast everyone are until the Falkenberg premiere, which I’m very much looking forward to," said Elias Adestam.
The 16-year-old Swedish karting champion Enzo Hallman was second on both days but closed the gap considerably during the last day to trail Adestam by just 0.063 seconds.
"It has been two good days with a solid pace and a lot of driving. This is a big step from karting, and it has been a lot to take in, but it's of course nice to be at the top - although it's only a test. I have learned a lot during these two days on how to set the car up and especially the driving itself. I'm more than ready and I think we've got an amazing season ahead," said Enzo Hallman.
Former endurance racing driver Theo Jernberg (17) jumped from fifth to third on the final day, 0.168 seconds from the top time.
"The feeling is really good. There was a lot of new things to take in, but that's the same for everyone. The combination of a front-wheel driven car and an electric powertrain was the really big thing for me to wrap my head around, it's all very direct. It's really exciting to see that the field is so close and I'm really looking forward to the first race," said Theo Jernberg.
Norwegian karting talent Benjamin Fuglesang impressed with the fourth fastest time, just below two tenths of a second from the top time.
Danish Formula 4 driver Victor Nielsen claimed the fifth fastest time ahead of American racer Ellis Spiezia in sixth position, 0.294 and 0.389 seconds behind respectively.
“Awesome, awesome two days. Got a lot done. Did some really good race stints done today to get that dialed in. Huge thanks to the whole NXT Gen Cup team, engineers, mechanics. We got a whole lot done in preparation for the season start next month,” said Ellis Spiezia.
22-year-old Alexzander Kristiansson claimed position seven ahead of Jonathan Engström, son to former STCC race winner Tomas Engström, in eighth while Greaham Hofmans and Månz Thalin rounded off the top ten.
The 2023 NXT Gen Cup season kicks off at Falkenberg on July 8-9, the fastest circuit in Sweden, read more here.
Results - Official pre-season test - Gelleråsen Arena
Pos - Driver - Time/diff
1 - Elias Adestam 1:16.152
2 - Enzo Hallman +0.063
3 - Theo Jernberg +0.108
4 - Benjamin Fuglesang +0.192
5 - Victor Nielsen +0.294
6 - Ellis Spiezia +0.389
7 - Alexzander Kristiansson +0.620
8 - Jonathan Engström +0.695
9 - Greaham Hofmans +0.976
10 - Månz Thalin +1.101
11 - Alexander Gustafsson +.104
12 - Sebastian Kinnmark +1.135
13 - Siri Hökfelt +1.302
14 - Louise Larsson +1.647
15 - Filip Bartos +2.229
