Isotta Fraschini Tipo 6 LMH Competizione – Credit: @IFautomobili via X formerly known as Twitter
Isotta Fraschini has reflected on the testing of their Tipo 6 LMH Competizione almost a month ago at Monza, as they now return from a summer break to continue their 2024 preparations.
The most recent step of the development process regarding their Hypercar was at Monza, in Italy.
They had presented their Hypercar and a track-day version at the WEC 6 Hours of Monza, a demonstration which took place on Thursday 6 July.
Previously in June, they had conducted two days testing at Motorland Aragon where the focus was on carrying out longer runs for the first time, monitoring their electronics and hybrid system with 700 km covered. The maiden outing took place in April at Vallelunga.
IFM had already tested at Monza in May, facing rain and track logistics issues on the first of two testing days, though conducted a smoother second day.
Hence they returned to the circuit on 5-6 August with one of their drivers Jean-Karl Vernay, where they carried out testing prior to a three-week summer break.
Gearing up for the next test, this weekend in Monza!_____#IsottaFraschini #Tipo6LMH #hypercar #Monza #LMH #LeMansHypercar #MarcoBonanomi #JeanKarlVernay #TheFastestLuxury pic.twitter.com/o6jlJIzbW7
— Isotta Fraschini Milano Fabbrica Automobili (@IFautomobili) August 3, 2023
“Monza has been a very satisfying test,” they said in a statement on X formerly known as Twitter.
“We were finally able to compare ourselves to the rest of the field since we were testing on the same circuit where WEC raced just one month before and it was very positive with lap times and the reactions of the car with qualifying tires, but also during longer stints.
“Basically, we can be pleased about the car and the performance, even if it is complicated to make comparisons since we were not in the same exact moment when all the other cars were in action, with the same temperature and grip.
“Still, at least we have a good idea of where we are and it is very positive.
“Unfortunately, we got that engine issue that ended the test prematurely, but now we had a few weeks off for everybody to recharge and come back stronger in September to finalise everything and get ready for next year.”
The top-three finishers at the WEC Monza event completed 200 laps around the historic Italian circuit.
Lap times during the race itself ranged from 1:37 and into the 1:36 margins, with the #7 Toyota asserting most confident pace out of the Hypercars.
In Monza, a small fuel leak had caused some electric cables to catch fire. The leak was from a component which had been there since the maiden test in April, and so this component has been changed.
This tested the fire system which worked well to control the fire before the marshalls arrived. Furthermore, the test was halted to check the car but it was concluded that there was not a major amount of damage caused.
The team were able to rest as scheduled in the summer, ahead of their next test at Motorland Aragon from Sunday 10-Tuesday 12 September.
Their target remains on a 2024 debut into the WEC’s premier prototype category with their bespoke Le Mans Hypercar.
Keyword: Isotta Fraschini ‘satisfied’ with August Monza Hypercar test despite engine issue