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We discuss the correct approach to racing technology with Nikita Kotrovsky.

ArtTech Evolution GT testing continues, two test days are behind us and a lot of work lies ahead. Are you wondering when these tests will be completed? It is very difficult to answer such a question, since their duration directly depends on their results, the date and time of which is simply impossible to predict.

While we are assessing the amount of work and working for the new reliable future of EVO, Nikita Kotrovsky, who is directly in the car during the vehicle tests, will tell us even more about the progress and results of the tests.

This is your first experience behind the wheel of the ArtTech Evolution GT after the classic Legends-600. How does it feel? There is a difference?
– A good and important question, because there is a difference and there are many differences. Obviously, EVO is significantly faster. For example, at the end of the longest straight in the Grade 4 configuration, which we are running on today at ADM Raceway, the Legends-600 reaches about 170 km/h, and the EVO goes over 200 km/h. The difference in speed is the first point. The second point is, of course, aerodynamics. The EVO is equipped with an aerodynamic body kit and, accordingly, has powerful downforce, which affects both braking points and the speed of fast and high-speed corners. Well, you have to believe it! Today I just became acquainted with the aerodynamic effect, there is still a lot of work ahead. The third point is the wheel. If on the Legend we worked on a Toyo tire, then on the EVO there is a Yokohama 2 wheel, which should be faster. By the way, this is also new to me. There's a lot of incoming information today, which is great.

Have you noticed any differences in driving the EVO?
– There is one feature that I noticed almost immediately - the car is prone to understeer. It’s not scary or painful, on the contrary, it’s very interesting, because when turning it is controlled by the gas. You can’t give up the gas, just add more - the front goes straight, or let go a little - correct the rear part, turning it into a turn. A very pleasant feeling indeed. We have a long road ahead. It's always very interesting to discover new facets of a new car, especially if it is so fast, comfortable and enjoyable.

You are a professional instructor at ADM Raceway. You train and guide young and old people in karting and Legends. Estimate how difficult it will be for a person to adapt to EVO after karting or Legend?
– Any pilot can switch to EVO, as well as any person who has a driver’s license, but under one condition. He must be friends with his head and understand where the ceiling of his capabilities is for a given unit of time. If a person knows what to do with a car in a given situation, namely: braking before a turn, entering a turn, hitting the apex, exiting a turn, accelerating the car. If he adequately assesses his strength, listens to instructions, knows how to work with the wheel (understands what the wheel is telling him), then there will be no problems. Gaining experience, each next trip he will speed up. Therefore, there is no difficulty in changing seats. They can start if you jump into this car and, yelling “ala-ulu, chase the geese,” press the gas pedal to the limit.

Does this rule also apply to boys 16 years old? Or are they immediately denied entry?
– My opinion on this matter is that you need to start with karting, all the basics are there. You can learn in any car, even F1, if you have that much money, but is there any point in that? Obviously, the more complex and faster the car, the more preparation it requires. Therefore, if a 16-year-old pilot already has experience in sports karting, then all paths are open: Legends-600, Formula 1600, ArtTech Evolution.

This is how the test day and our conversation with Nikita Kotrovsky ended:

“ArtTech Evolution is a very interesting and fast machine. For anyone who would like to try their hand at driving, I would like to advise you to approach this car with respect and without false self-confidence, which can lead to crashes, technical damage and unplanned expenses. This road and this path are stairs, where there is absolutely no point in jumping over the steps.”