Ex-Formula 1 Racer Nick Heidfeld Tests Pininfarina Battista Hyper GT Prototype

Heidfeld joins Vehicle Development team at Nardò Technical Center in Italy

By: Automobili Pininfarina | Photos Courtesy of: Automobili Pininfarina

Latest News

Legendary racer and Automobili Pininfarina Test and Development Driver Nick Heidfeld has taken the new Battista hyper GT on track for the first time as part of the ongoing prototype development at the Nardò Technical Center in Italy.

Nick Heidfeld Tests Pininfarina Battista Hyper GT Prototype
Ex-Formula 1 and Formula E racer Nick Heidfeld brings his expertise to the test programme of the Pininfarina Battista pure-electric hyper GT

Heidfeld has played a key role in the development of Battista from the inception of the project. In 2019 he joined Automobili Pininfarina designers and engineers to provide ergonomics feedback on a physical – rather than virtual – prototype for the first time. Soon after, Nick was in the seat of an advanced dynamic simulator in Italy, with the brief to support dynamic set-up of the 1,900 PS, all-wheel drive electric hyper GT.

His unparalleled knowledge and more than 25 years of experience in high performance motorsport continue to support refinement of Battista’s bespoke chassis settings and software calibration, ahead of the hyper GT entering production in Italy in the summer of 2021.

Nick Heidfeld Tests Pininfarina Battista Hyper GT Prototype
Ex-Formula 1 and Formula E racer Nick Heidfeld brings his expertise to the test programme of the Pininfarina Battista pure-electric hyper GT

Nick Heidfeld said: “It has been really special to experience the Battista on the track for the first time. With the prototype at an advanced stage of development, we are testing Battista with around 80 per cent of its potential power, the performance and acceleration is already beyond anything I could imagine.”

“What really surprised me was how natural the Battista feels on the track. We are creating a hyper GT to be enjoyed at all speeds, yet here in Nardò the cornering control and speed we achieved were exceptional. Minimal traction control and torque vectoring are active at this stage of prototype development, yet there is so much grip to exploit.”

Nick Heidfeld Tests Pininfarina Battista Hyper GT Prototype
Ex-Formula 1 and Formula E racer Nick Heidfeld brings his expertise to the test programme of the Pininfarina Battista pure-electric hyper GT

“It was my first time driving on the Nardò handling circuit, so I spent some time looking at films of onboard laps online to familiarise myself with the layout. I quickly realised they would be of little use, because the acceleration of Battista is on another level to even the world’s fastest road cars.”

“To meet our aim of delivering a hyper GT, a car that can be enjoyed anywhere and in all conditions, we are developing Battista with two tyre combinations. The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R is our preferred performance tyre and combined with lightweight ‘Impulso’ wheels it provides an outstanding combination of maximum grip and feel, a perfect fit for a race circuit.”

Nick Heidfeld Tests Pininfarina Battista Hyper GT Prototype
Ex-Formula 1 and Formula E racer Nick Heidfeld brings his expertise to the test programme of the Pininfarina Battista pure-electric hyper GT

“I have to say, that very honestly, driving the Battista prototype far exceeded my expectations. It’s like nothing I have experienced ever before. I can’t wait to try the Battista away from the track, chasing corners on mountain roads.”

The Automobili Pininfarina Battista is the most powerful road-legal car ever designed and built in Italy. No more than 150 Battistas will be individually hand-crafted at the Pininfarina SpA atelier in Turin, Italy, with the first cars set to be delivered to clients later this year.

Don't Miss Out on Our Latest News & Features

Subscribe to get our "Daily Drive" news alerts delivered to your inbox.

We will not share your email address.
spot_img

For Sale 

1991 Jordan-Ford 191 Formula 1 car driven by Michael Schumacher at his Formula 1 debut listed for sale by DK Engineering

Offered By: DK Engineering

Price: Inquire

1963 Ferrari 330 LM Berlinetta For Sale

Offered By: Copley Motorcars

Price: Inquire

1993 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Jubilee For Sale

Offered By: Trofeo Cars

Price: SOLD

You Might Also Like