Hunter Robb has returned home after completing a successful Porsche Michelin Sprint Championship test at Queensland Raceway in Australia.
The teenager conducted the one-day test with Jones Motorsport last Wednesday under the guidance of Harri Jones, the current leader of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Series. He was also reunited with his former number-one mechanic from previous championships, Michael Connell.
“It was definitely a step up from what I am used to here in NZ,” commented Robb.
“The professionalism of the team, their gear and knowledge, especially from Harri, made for a great environment to be in and around. They know so much more and have so much experience.
“We did a couple of qualifying simulations where I learnt how to ‘turn on’ the green tyre for the best quali lap.
“Then we did a race simulation which was all about consistency each and every lap. While it’s good to have a quick (lap) time, it is about over all time for the whole race so consistency is really important.”
Robb tested a Porsche 991.2, similar to the one he recently raced in the 2024 North Island Endurance Series.
“The setup of the Porsche at Queensland Raceway was quite different to what I am used to here. So, driving it was quite cool and I’d say definitely quicker. It got the power down well and I found that I was able to use the grip better.
“There wasn’t any live timing, so we were unable to compare with the six or seven other Porsche teams testing on the day but got some really good feedback from the team.
“I’ve learnt a lot about my driving style and about the technique required to extract a consistent fast pace. Also, getting the best out of your tyres, especially for qualifying is really important. It was a fantastic day in which I was really able to soak up the environment I was in and the learning that took place over the whole day.
Robb is now keen to apply the experience back home in New Zealand.
“We’ll do a couple of days testing in NZ going over everything I learned and applying it. I hope to head back at some stage to continue the learning.”
Words & Images: Supplied
