Bahrain podium man Franck Mailleux returned to track action today with the Signatech-Nissan team, as the LMP2 squad begins its preparations for this weekend’s 6 Hours of Fuji Speedway. 

The home race for engine partner, Nissan, it has been a useful day of running for the #23 Oreca 03 car. The team and drivers completed 107 laps of the 4.563km circuit, working on aerodynamics, suspension, tyre evaluation as well as giving the drivers time to learn the track configuration.

The circuit’s layout, particularly with the long main straight, means that set-up will be something of a compromise this weekend, as the team assesses the best set-up to maximise top speed down the straight and downforce through the corners.

Although it has been a positive day of testing for all cars, the real test will begin with the first practice sessions on Friday. Franck will be hoping to build on the fantastic podium scored at Bahrain two weeks’ ago.

Franck said: “It is great to be here in Japan and to begin our preparations for the Fuji 6 hours with a collective test. It has been a busy day for us, completing over one hundred laps as a team, as we start looking at the best set-up to cope with this interesting track configuration. We have worked hard on set-up, suspension, aero and tyres, as well as understanding the nuances of the track. The views are stunning here with Mount Fuji providing a unique backdrop so I can’t wait to get back out on track in practice on Friday.”