Mazda Team Joest turns first laps in Germany

The first official test for the new Mazda Team Joest IMSA DPi program was completed without drama on Tuesday at the Hockenheim circuit in Germany.

The outing presented both parties with the chance to acquire data on the Riley/Multimatic MK 30 chassis that forms the stylized Mazda RT24-P DPi and the 2.0-liter AER-built Mazda four-cylinder turbo engine after Mazda split with longtime service provider SpeedSource Race Engineering in July.

"It was completely straightforward and we ran all day without any issues," a Mazda representative told RACER. "The Joest team is so professional and efficient to work with."

Mazda drivers Jonathan Bomarito and Tristan Nunez spent the day behind the wheel of the bare carbon RT24-P, and Audi/Joest veteran Rene Rast, who could be in the frame for a race seat, was also present.

Once the data and driver feedback is fully reviewed, and more tests are completed, changes to the car will be made prior to Mazda Team Joest's race debut in January at the Rolex 24 at Daytona.