Multiple motor racing champion Charlie Robertson says the brand new Ginetta-Nissan LMP3 car, which he will share in this year’s European Le Mans Series with legendary Olympian Sir Chris Hoy, passed its maiden test at Paul Ricard in southern France this week with flying colours.

Central to a piece of real motorsport history, the group ELMS test outing marking the first ever track appearance for the newly designed and created LMP3 car, 18-year-old Scottish racer Charlie had his chance to get behind the wheel on Monday, 23rd March, and Tuesday, 24th March.

Amazed by the experience, and thoroughly enjoying every minute, the Whyteleafe-based youngster was hugely impressed with the car’s pace and, most notably, the faultless performance it delivered over the course of the two days. Importantly too, Charlie and team-mate Sir Chris were able to gain vital experience of the car’s performance in both dry and wet conditions.

“It was awesome to see the car for the first time and it worked straight out of the box which was incredible really – Mercedes F1 style almost!”, said Charlie, “It’s an amazing car to drive, it’s fast and being part of the first test for the first LMP3 car to ever turn a wheel is pretty special – a real honour for me. My next target is to be the first driver to win in LMP3 as well!”

As the only LMP3 car on track, among a strong field of the category’s blue riband LMP2 prototypes and GT cars, the Team LNT Ginetta-Nissan ended the two day outing 15th overall on the combined timesheets from the 27 entries present.

Powered by a 5.0-litre Nissan VK50 engine, delivering 420bhp and a peak speed on the main straight at Paul Ricard of more than 270km/h, the Ginetta-Nissan LMP3 also features a six-speed paddleshift gearbox which is supplied by Xtrac.

“The test was more about development than anything, we didn’t want to take any risks and there are a lot of changes we’ll continue to work through”, added Investigo-backed Charlie, “The car has come from a computer screen and straight to the track, so for everything to have gone as well as it did really is unbelievable and a massive testament to everyone at Ginetta, Nissan and Team LNT.

“I made the most of the time I got in the car, unfortunately it rained when I went out on the second afternoon but it was actually good to experience the car in those conditions too. It had amazing grip, great traction and corner speed – I still can’t quite believe I’ll be racing this brand new LMP3 car in the ELMS this year.”

The first round of the European Le Mans Series season will take place at Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit on Saturday, 11th April, giving Charlie, Sir Chris and Team LNT the perfect platform on which to begin their season in front of a partisan British crowd. Additionally, live television coverage of the four hour race is set to be carried by both Motors TV and BT Sport in the UK.

“Silverstone will be a big challenge but everything we’ve taken away from the Ricard test is very encouraging”, said Charlie, “We’re confident things should go well and hopefully this week’s test will work in our favour. It’s been fantastic to finally work at the track with Sir Chris, he’s a real legend and a great person to be around. I really think we’re going to be a great team this year.”