WHYTELEAFE racing driver Charlie Robertson made a little piece of history on Tuesday by becoming the first competitor from the new-for-2013 BRDC Formula 4 Championship to get behind the wheel of the MSV F4-013.
Reporting a thoroughly enjoyable test debut in the HHC Motorsport-run car, the 2012 Ginetta Junior champion, who will campaign during his maiden season in single-seaters this year, with continued support from key sponsor Investigo, had a problem-free outing at a damp and greasy Donington Park.
"I definitely learned a lot, it was great to get out there on track finally and experience the new car," said the 16-year-old.
"Despite coming fresh into single-seaters from Ginetta Junior, it all felt quite natural and I'm pretty pleased with the lap times we got down to, especially as we had to stay on wets all day."
Powered by a 2.0-litre Ford Duratec engine, which uses a Cosworth management system, the Formula 4 car delivers 185bhp and even in the slippery conditions at Donington, Robertson was able to lap in the 1 min 13 secs bracket.
One of the standout features of the new Ralph Firman designed and constructed car is the highly sophisticated six-speed sequential Sadev gearbox, which has a paddle-shift gear change, and the Caterham School pupil concurs this is one of the biggest selling points of the MSV F4-013.
"Everything about the car impressed me," said Robertson.
"The downforce is good, the brakes and the throttle response are strong and the gearbox is really good, that's what helps this car stand out.
"The technology is very high quality, which is what you want as a driver, and the car definitely looks the part too. I can't wait for our next run now."
Robertson's second outing in his HHC Motorsport prepared car is likely to take place in the next couple of weeks with the officially timed pre-season test scheduled for Tuesday, April 23 at the Snetterton 300 Circuit in Norfolk.
Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit in Northamptonshire will then host the opening three rounds of the 2013 BRDC Formula 4 Championship on April 27-28.
The season comprises 24 races across eight weekends, reaching a conclusion at Donington Park Grand Prix Circuit on September 28-29.