R-Reforged has added motorsport driver Jake Dennis to its engineering team, where he will work as a high-performance development driver for road car programmes. Formed in 2018, Swiss-based R-Reforged focuses on vehicle refinement and associated small-scale series production, which takes place at its fully owned UK subsidiary’s 30,000 sq. ft facility in Warwick. Dennis will first influence the vehicle dynamics of the Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato Heritage TWINS programme.
Jake Dennis is a former McLaren Autosport BRDC Award winner, and brings a wealth of relevant on-track sports car experience to the role, most recently with R-Motorsport in DTM and international GT3 racing. His position as Formula 1 simulator and development driver has enhanced his ability to provide precise feedback, helping develop and improve vehicle performance.
Dennis will work alongside R-Reforged’s chief engineer Adam Donfrancesco, who worked on programmes such as Noble’s M600 and Aston Martin’s GT8 and GT12. “A significant element of the development work on our existing programmes is focused on improving how the cars drive,” said Donfrancesco. “Working in F1 and having fresh experience across numerous categories of international motorsport means Jake is adept at analysing and forensically describing what a car is doing and how it feels. As a race driver, he will ensure all R-Reforged programmes offer dynamic excellence and deliver optimum performance.”
“I have always enjoyed the process of working with the engineers to develop a better car,” added Dennis. “Whether that’s F1, race or road, the improvement process is so rewarding as you strive to extract the best performance possible. It is not all about speed or lap times with the R-Reforged programmes: it’s about ensuring a car is safe, rewarding and satisfying to drive through the spectrum.”
The first project to benefit from Dennis’ detailed input will be the Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato Heritage TWINS by R-Reforged, of which a limited run of 19 pairs will be produced. Dennis has also provided feedback on the Aston Martin CALLUM Vanquish 25 by R-Reforged, with the start of customer production imminent. “It’s a big GT but thanks to the significant changes the driving experience is transformed,” stated Dennis. “In every attribute – damping, steering, throttle response and braking – it’s tauter and sharper.”
“Jake will be a real asset to the R-Reforged road car development programme with his longstanding experience in racing and his technical expertise,” said Dr. Florian Kamelger, R-Motorsport’s team principal. “During his years with R-Motorsport he has shown that he is not only an extremely talented racer but also an excellent test and development driver.”
