ALMS 2011 thread

[MOTV8]

Nice! That answers that...I've been worried about teh streaming when Speed went dark.

Nice, huh? I don't know what Dawg will do....

Surf pron more than likely.

Le Mans Blog: Scrutineering Wraps Up

By: Tony DiZinno, Sports Car Correspondent

Monday completed the two days of scrutineering for this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. Admittedly, it would be far easier to write about the Audi and Peugeot tussle for overall supremacy in this space. When you’re the kings of the court, as these two respective manufacturers are in sports car racing, spending a day out of the spotlight is a rare occasion.

Each had a planned moment in the sun today. Peugeot arrived to scrutineering following a 125 kilometer bike ride, while Audi’s defending champions Romain Dumas, Timo Bernhard and Mike Rockenfeller made their imprint in downtown Le Mans with their hands to commemorate their 2010 overall victory.

At scrutineering, these two teams were always going to draw the biggest crowds when they unloaded their cars. Mercifully, the weather gods played nice today in allowing the bulk of the field to go through technical inspection without any interruption or much of a delay.

Far more impressive was that the crowd, on a work day, actually was a much larger number than on Sunday. The weather and caliber of teams that were here today certainly helped, but seeing a Monday crowd this strong speaks volumes about the popularity of the race.

Two of the four American Le Mans Series teams received a rush of fans to their teams and cars when unloaded off their transporters: Corvette Racing and Flying Lizard Motorsports. The French love their own participants first, but it’s not a leap of faith to suggest Corvette ranks very highly on their list of favorites.

Corvette’s thundering V8 C6.R, now in GT2-specification as it was built for its late 2009 debut (the GT1-spec C6.R signed off at the 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans), rolled through without any drama. The team looks to avenge a disastrous 2010 race when one car had engine trouble and the other was eliminated from contention when Anthony Davidson made an ambitious, if over-exuberant passing maneuver of Emmanuel Collard past Porsche Curves. There wasn’t contact but Collard fell off the road and into the wall.

Peugeot’s Davidson says he’s learned a lot from the incident, the criticism he received, and hopes he wouldn’t have to encounter anything similar this time around.

“I learned a lot about the race, as I am really not that experienced about Le Mans and the race itself,” he said. “I will do things differently this year.”

Corvette’s 2011 features a few different elements. Some teams which have entered the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup for 2011 were assigned numbers 63 and 64, so Corvette’s usual Le Mans numbers have been changed to reflect that. Getting used to 73 and 74 might present a challenge to everyone involved.

The driver lineup has changed as well. Tommy Milner returns to Le Mans for the first time in four years while Richard Westbrook moves over from the BMS Scuderia Italia Porsche squad where he finished third in 2010, as third driver in the No. 74.

Corvette’s four full-season drivers (Milner, Oliver Gavin, Olivier Beretta and Jan Magnussen) all participated in April’s test day in the Larbre Competition-run Corvette C6.R. Magnussen has more than a race on his mind this week as his wife is expecting!

“Doing the test day was good to get acclimated with the car and the track,” Milner said. “The previous time I was here was in 2007 with LNT (in a Panoz Esperante). In 2006 was Multimatic (Panoz) and I ran out of fuel two hours in — so not the best.”

The spotlight shines on Britain’s Westbrook for somewhat different reasons. He was involved in a dust-up with Stefan Mücke in Sunday’s GT1 World Championship race at Silverstone, where following contact between the two, Mücke attempted a rebuttal but lost control of his own Aston Martin when trying to give Westbrook a not-so-friendly hand gesture. The video clip of the contretemps is on YouTube.

No such drama at Flying Lizard Porsche, where the twice-defending American Le Mans Series GT champions in the drivers’ and Michelin Green X Challenge standings have two cars entered at Le Mans for the first time.

Fans flocked to the “Lizards” in their dashing and utterly stunning Porsche tribute liveries as created by Troy Lee. Every driver that has won at Le Mans overall for Porsche has their name adorned on the 911s. The cars will pop even more in photographs from scrutineering than the team images released last week for the announcement.

Team-wise, the usual No. 45 in the ALMS won’t be split up for Le Mans as they have been the last five years. Jörg Bergmeister, Patrick Long and Lucas Luhr make up car No. 80 for Le Mans in the GTE Pro class, with Seth Neiman, Darren Law and Spencer Pumpelly in No. 81 in GTE Am.

“Having these guys makes for good continuity,” Bergmeister said. “This is the 45 crew (from ALMS). We feel we have a good chance. The last time the three of us drove together was in Sebring (in a Petersen/White Lightning Porsche in 2005) and we won!”

Luhr and Pumpelly are both making their team debut for the “Lizards,” while this doubles as Pumpelly’s 24 Hours of Le Mans debut. Pumpelly already has one 24-hour race win in 2011 with TRG at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in January and would no doubt be keen to add to that.

Keen isn’t just an ambition at Le Mans; it’s also a driver, and one of the tallest ones at that. Team Farnbacher’s Leh Keen joined Pumpelly, Law and BMW’s Joey Hand in late arriving to scrutineering after taking part in the Rolex Series’ Sahlen’s Six Hours at the Glen on Saturday afternoon. A host of others had other racing commitments that prevented their attendance earlier during scrutineering.

The crowds stood out the most today, and here were several other observations.

The location for the team group shots has changed three times in three years. In 2009 it was across the parking lot where the current scrutineering takes place, although that area has now been closed off and appears under construction. Last year the team shots took place with the cathedral in the backdrop; this year, it was in front of Plaza Jacobins in downtown Le Mans. Should be interesting to compare photos with this in play.

Opinions of drivers on the newly announced FIA World Endurance Championship have ranged from mostly positive to a “I just heard/read about it.” There seems a healthy amount of respect for the decision to institute a drivers’ championship alongside the constructors’ one, since the ILMC currently has teams and constructors but not one for drivers. Without further details announced yet before Thursday’s ACO press conference, anything else written here would be merely conjecture and an added dash of letters to pour into a hearty batch of alphabet soup.

Finally, I got the sense there are going to be a lot more fans rooting for another of the ALMS entrants, Robertson Racing, as the week goes on. The original threesome of David and Andrea Robertson with David Murry are back in their Doran Ford GT-R for the team’s Le Mans debut, and have such an infectious enthusiasm for the sport going back to when they grew up. Considering some teams are overly on edge in preparation, the Robertsons are here both to firmly soak up the experience and maximize the performance in the newly formed GTE Am class.

Tuesday is a very light day with no on-track activity and only a driver autograph session scheduled.

-and don't forget our French pals from Larbre-

After many years running Porsches in endurance racing, Larbre Competition opens a new chapter running a Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 as their official team in GTE AM.

Jack Leconte, owner and team manager of Larbre Competition says:" I am very proud that a manufacturer has trust in us, the best recognition of our know how, after many years in French GT's Patrick Bornhauser joined us on the international scene, along with Gabriele Gardel who has been a pillar of the team for many years alongside Julien Canal - Gardel and Canal of course winning LM P1 in 2010 with the Larbre Saleen for us"

He went on to say: "We have many sponsors - Michelin, McDonalds, BSI, Charmant Z, Demeco who have joined with us in this ambitious project. We started at the ILMC at Sebring, but we had an electrical problem and had to retire early in the race, but we had a better result at Spa where we finished 3rd in class, we are still running a Porsche 911 RSR #70 this year alongside the Corvette, so we will be very busy!"

[MOTV8]

I've received more Le Mans previews than I can shake a stick at...here's Speed's:

LE MANS: GT Preview

SPEED.com’s comprehensive car-by-car preview of the GTE-Pro and GTE-Am contenders in the 79th Le Mans 24 Hours...

John Dagys | Posted June 07, 2011 Le Mans, (FRA)

The demise of the GT1 class has seen the production-based ranks unite around a single base category, GT Endurance, for 2011. Split up into GTE-Pro, for new cars generally featuring all-pro driver lineups, and GTE-Am, reserved for one-year-old machinery with gentlemen drivers, the new structure is aimed at giving both pros and amateurs a chance of victory.

With 18 entries, GTE-Pro is stacked with some of the best teams in the business. From factory entries from BMW, Corvette and Lotus to the various Porsche and Ferrari works-assisted programs, there’s no shortage of talent in the category formerly known as GT2. It would be hard pressed to pick a clear-cut winner.

GTE-Am, on the other hand, is a little more defined with ten cars entered. However, with five manufacturers represented, it again could be a toss up as to who takes home top honors. And with multi-car teams being spread across the Pro and Am classes, a team could end up with a double victory on Sunday.

Before the Tri-Colour drops at 3 p.m. local on Saturday, SPEED.com analyzes this year’s starting field with its traditional car-by-car preview.

GTE-Pro (18 Entries)

Car No.: 51

Team: AF Corse (ILMC)

Car: Ferrari F458 Italia

Drivers: Giancarlo Fisichella - Gianmaria Bruni - Toni Vilander

Dagys says:

It’s hard to realize that this European powerhouse hasn’t yet won the granddaddy of endurance races. But 2011 could very well be AF Corse’s year. While the Amato Ferrari-owned squad heads in with two bullets in GTE-Pro, only one has a realistic shot at victory.

As one of six Ferrari F458 Italias in the field, the No. 51 machine of factory drivers Giancarlo Fisichella, Gimmi Bruni and Toni Vilander no doubt boasts the strongest driver lineup in what could arguably be the car of choice.

While ‘Fisi’ and Bruni started their ILMC campaign in a year-old Ferrari F430 GT, grabbing pole at Sebring, the duo went onto take top honors in last month’s 1000km of Spa with its new Prancing Horse. A second win, in a race that scores double points, would help them extend their lead in the all-important ILMC teams’ championship.

Car No.: 55

Team: BMW Motorsport (ILMC)

Car: BMW M3 GT

Drivers: Augusto Farfus - Jorg Muller - Dirk Werner

Dagys says:

Ferrari’s main protagonist in the battle for the ILMC championship, BMW returns to Circuit de la Sarthe for the second straight year with a pair of M3 GTs. But with wins at Sebring and Long Beach already under their belt, the Bavarian manufacturer has an entirely new level of expectations for this year’s twice-around-the-clock classic.

Now considered the benchmark in the GTE class, BMW has benefitted from a single-spec M3 for its worldwide sportscar programs this year. But can the Charly Lamm-led Schnitzer squad get the job done in one of the races that matters most for BMW?

BNW’s driver lineup is certainly not lacking. World Touring Car Championship veterans Augusto Farfus and Jorg Muller are joined by Dirk Werner, now a full-time driver in BMW Team RLL’s American Le Mans Series program, in the No. 55 machine. Farfus and Muller combined for a solid fourth place run at Spa. Could a podium finish be in store this time out?

Car No.: 56

Team: BMW Motorsport (ILMC)

Car: BMW M3 GT

Drivers: Andy Priaulx - Dirk Muller - Joey Hand

Dagys says:

BMW’s Sebring winning trio of Andy Priaulx, Dirk Muller and Joey Hand will be looking for the endurance racing double aboard the No. 56 entry. While it’s the same lineup and car number from March’s victory, that’s essentially where the similarities end.

With the German Schnitzer squad running the show in Europe, and utilizing one of its M3 GTs, albeit identical to BMW Team RLL’s in the States, it will be interesting to see the trio perform up against the likes of the European competition that wasn’t at Sebring.

And if they can get the job done, it would be a history-making day for 32-year-old Hand, who will have completed the endurance racing ‘Triple Crown’ of wins at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Sebring and Le Mans in the same year.

Car No.: 58

Team: Luxury Racing (ILMC)

Car: Ferrari F458 Italia

Drivers: Anthony Beltoise - Pierre Thiriet - Francois Jakubowski

Dagys says:

One could say Luxury Racing was thrown in the deep end when it made its international debut at Sebring in March. The French squad perhaps didn’t know what it was going to be in for when it started its global campaign, not only with a new car to come to grips with, but also the high level of competition that is GTE-Pro.

Their ninth-place finish at Sebring, as a solo entry, was backed up with a double DNF at Spa, leading to more question marks heading into the biggest race of the young team’s career.

For Anthony Beltoise, Pierre Thiriet and Francois Jakubowski, pilots aboard the team’s No. 58 Ferrari F458 Italia, getting to the finish will be a victory in itself. However, that’s not necessarily the case for their sister Prancing Horse, thanks to some assistance from the leading U.S.-based Ferrari squad.

Car No.: 59

Team: Luxury Racing (ILMC)

Car: Ferrari F458 Italia

Drivers: Stephane Ortelli - Frederic Makowiecki - Jamie Melo

Dagys says:

Don’t necessarily be fooled by the name, because under the skin rests a three-time Le Mans winning team. That’s right, the core of Risi Competizione is behind Luxury’s all-pro car of Stephane Ortelli, Fred Mako and Jamie Melo. And if the cards fall the right way, they could be a potential spoiler come race day.

Key members of the Houston-based Risi squad joined forces with Luxury at the Le Mans Test to give them a helping hand. Now, nearly the entire crew has returned in its bid for class glory, led by team manager Dave ‘Beaky’ Sims and engineer Mark Shomann.

While no strangers to victory, having achieved back-to-back class wins in 2008 and 2009, Risi will have their work cut out for them this year with a brand-new car and increased competition. Yet, with one of the quickest driver lineups in the field, including rising star Fred Mako, this joint effort might just have the right ingredients to get the job done.

Car No.: 64

Team: Lotus Jetalliance (ILMC)

Car: Lotus Evora GTE

Drivers: Oskar Slingerland - Martin Rich - John Hartshorne

Dagys says:

The newest fish in the GTE pond, Lotus’ Evora steps up to take the fight to the likes of Ferrari, Porsche, BMW and Corvette. The joint efforts with Austrian Jetlliance squad sees a pair of cars entered, including the Pro-Am driver lineup of Oskar Slingerland, Martin Rich and late addition John Hartshorne.

Jetalliance team owner Lukas Lichtner-Hoyer, who drove the No. 64 machine at the test day, has given his seat to Hartshorne, a Le Mans rookie who gained his necessary ten laps at the wheel of a Formula Le Mans car in April.

Finishing ninth in its debut at Spa last month, the car has since received a generous Balance of Performance adjustment of 50 kg minimum weight reduction and a 1.4 mm larger restrictor. It might just put the Evoras in the general ballpark to their competition.

Car No.: 65

Team: Lotus Jetalliance (ILMC)

Car: Lotus Evora GTE

Drivers: Jonathan Hirschi - James Rossiter - Johnny Mowlem

Dagys says:

The quicker of the two Evoras boasts an all-pro driver lineup. Led by Lotus factory drivers Johnny Mowlem and James Rossiter, plus Swiss hot shoe Jonathan Hirschi, the British marque has assembled a formidable trio for its maiden voyage at Le Mans.

While the car suffered an engine failure in its race debut at Spa, it proved to be one of the few reliability issues thus far for the program. A further 24-hour simulation test after Spa has rebuilt Lotus Motorsport’s confidence heading into its toughest challenge yet.


Considering the aforementioned performance adjustments, the No. 65 machine could be one of the surprise performers this week. But with stiff competition in GTE-Pro, not to mention the seasoned efforts from fellow semi-works squads, the goal is clearly to finish.

Car No.: 66

Team: JMW Motorsport

Car: Ferrari F458 Italia

Drivers: Rob Bell - Tim Sugden - Xavier Maassen

Dagys says:

As the only Ferrari on Dunlop rubber, it could be a make-or-break race for JMW Motorsport. The British squad, which gave the Ferrari 458 Italia its first-ever win at the Le Mans Series’ season-opener at Paul Ricard in April, heads into Le Mans with confidence, despite electing not to take part in the official test at Circuit de la Sarthe.

An unlucky break at Spa, when Rob Bell brushed the wall, cost the team a chance of back-to-back victories, yet Bell and company are still considered a darkhorse pick for victory this weekend. Joined by team manager Tim Sugden and Dutchman Xavier Maassen, the Jim McWhirter-owned team has assembled a solid lineup that knows the keys to endurance racing success.

While questions surround the ultimate reliability of the new 458 Italia, which has yet to compete in a 24-hour race, the former Le Mans Series champions could certainly end up on the podium. In fact, anything less may be considered a disappointment.

Car No.: 71

Team: AF Corse

Car: Ferrari F458 Italia

Drivers: Rob Kauffman - Michael Waltrip - Rui Aguas

Dagys says:

While it won’t be fighting for the class victory, AF Corse’s second GTE-Pro class Ferrari will be making headlines of its own, as one of the most recognizable names in NASCAR makes his Le Mans debut. Two-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip will get his first stab at the 24-hour classic, co-driving with MWR co-owner Rob Kauffman and Portuguese ace Rui Aguas.

Waltrip and Kauffman gained their first laps of Le Mans at the test day in April, at the wheel of an older-generation F430 GT. Now returning with a new F458 Italia, the upgrade is not likely to have an effect the trio’s strategy for the race. A solid finish is clearly the goal. And given the high level of attrition in previous years, a top-ten result is possible.

Car No.: 73

Team: Corvette Racing

Car: Corvette C6.R

Drivers: Olivier Beretta - Tommy Milner - Antonio Garcia

Dagys says:

Returning to the GT2/GTE-Pro ranks for the second consecutive year, Corvette Racing heads in as one of the favorites for class honors. The Pratt & Miller squad nearly pulled it off last year, but suffered a double engine failure late in the running, compounded with a controversial clash with the Anthony Davidson-driven Peugeot.

Despite being winless in 2011, the Doug Fehan-led organization has clearly upped its game in the season-opening American Le Mans Series races. With two podium finishes to its credit, Corvette is off to a much better start this year. Can that translate into their seventh class victory at Le Mans?

New recruit Tommy Milner joins Olivier Beretta and Antonio Garcia in the “3” car, which carries the No. 73 this week. It’s a strong lineup boasting youth and experience and could be just what’s needed to get the job done on Sunday.

Car No.: 74

Team: Corvette Racing

Car: Corvette C6.R

Drivers: Oliver Gavin - Jan Magnussen - Richard Westbrook

Dagys says:

With the tight schedule between the ALMS race at Long Beach and the Le Mans Test Day, Corvette Racing took advantage of the resources from its customer, Larbre Competition, to take part in the crucial one-day test. The extra experience gained with the French squad’s Corvette C6.R, last year’s factory No. 3 car, is likely to put them on a leg up on the other American teams that skipped the test altogether.

All four of team’s core drivers - Beretta, Milner, plus Oliver Gavin and Jan Magnussen, who will share the No. 74 car with Richard Westbrook - turned laps at the Test Day. Those extra laps aren’t likely to benefit the drivers as much as the development of the car, though.

Some consider the Gavin-Magnussen-Westbrook lineup to be the “dream team” lineup of the race in GTE-Pro. The trio will likely be the quicker of the two Corvettes, although it’s not always the fastest car that wins Le Mans, It’s usually the one that makes the fewest mistakes. But if they can stay out of trouble and on track, No. 74 could be a sure winner.

Car No.: 75

Team: Prospeed Competition

Car: Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

Drivers: Marc Goossens - Marco Holzer - Jaap van Lagen

Dagys says:

While flying under the radar, Prospeed Competition could be one of the surprise stories of the race. The Belgian squad, returning to la Sarthe after a seventh place finish in 2010, features an all-pro driver lineup for the first time, led by ace Marc Goossens.

With newly promoted Porsche factory driver Marco Holzer and former World Touring Car Championship driver Jaap van Lagen also at the wheel, it’s a roster not to be taken lightly. Goossens and Holzer recorded a sixth place finish at Spa last month. A top-five at Le Mans could be possible.

Car No.: 76

Team: IMSA Performance Matmut

Car: Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

Drivers: Raymond Narac - Patrick Pilet - Nicolas Armindo

Dagys says:

Back for another go, the single-car effort for IMSA Performance Matmut features an all-French lineup for the first time, and like Prospeed, could factor into the mix of things.

The 2007 Le Mans class winners, which finished fifth at Le Mans last year, returns with team principal Raymond Narac and Patrick Pilet and is joined by countryman Nicolas Armindo for the first time.

Fresh off a GTE-Am class win last month at Spa, Narac and Armindo have been the team to beat in the Le Mans Series. However, it will be a little different story this weekend as they’re competing for GTE-Pro honors. While Narac is no slouch, it will be difficult for this entry to keep up against the likes of Felbermayr-Proton or Flying Lizards with all-pro driver lineups. Still, a top-five could again be in the cards.

Car No.: 77

Team: Team Felbermayr-Proton

Car: Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

Drivers: Marc Lieb - Richard Lietz - Wolf Henzler

Dagys says:

Heading in as defending class winners, there’s been little change to Team Felbermayr-Proton’s approach for this year’s endurance classic. With the German squad retaining its star-studded lineup of Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz and Wolf Henzler, the defending Le Mans Series champions boast one of the strongest entries in the field.

While the competition has increased, particularly on the Porsche front with Flying Lizard Motorsport’s all-pro lineup, the Christian Ried-owned squad has the experience and knowledge of Le Mans to become repeat winners. The only question comes with the strength of the Porsche, compared to Ferrari’s new F458 Italia and the BMWs and Corvettes, which have also received major off-season developments.

Car No.: 79

Team: JOTA

Car: Aston Martin Vantage

Drivers: Sam Hancock - Simon Dolan - Chris Buncombe

Dagys says:

The only Aston Martin Vantage represented in the GTE-Pro class, Sam Hignett’s Team JOTA won’t likely play a factor for the win. In fact, the British team perhaps would have had a better shot at victory in GTE-Am. But en entry there wouldn’t have been possible considering their brand-new Vantage and with two professionals at the wheel.

Still, a finish in the team’s GTE-class debut would be a honorable mention, ahead of much bigger plans for 2012. It likely will involve a new Aston Martin AMR-One in LMP1 for lead driver Sam Hancock and company, as JOTA is penciled in as one of the AMR-One’s first customers.

Car No.: 80

Team: Flying Lizard Motorsports

Car: Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

Drivers: Jorg Bergmeister - Patrick Long - Lucas Luhr

Dagys says:

After a disappointing run last year, Flying Lizard Motorsports returns to Le Mans with a seriously stepped-up effort, aimed at taking top honors for the first time. The California-based squad’s seventh appearance at la Sarthe features their first as a two-car team, with a Porsche 911 GT3 RSR entered in both GTE-Pro and GTE-Am.

And with a lineup of Jorg Bergmeister, Patrick Long and Lucas Luhr, you don’t need to tell many of their ambitions for the race. It’s no doubt one of the strongest driver pairings in the field. After multiple Le Mans starts with the French IMSA Performance team, Long moves over to his ALMS stable, joining longtime co-driver Bergmeister. The addition of Luhr, who makes a comeback to his roots racing Porsches in GT, completes this impressive roster.

The Eric Ingraham-led Lizards squad was one of the handful of teams not to take part in the Le Mans Test Day. But with data from sister Porsche outfits during the one-day test, it shouldn’t make a major difference come race time.

Car No.: 88

Team: Team Felbermayr-Proton

Car: Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

Drivers: Nick Tandy - Abdulaziz al Faisal - Bryce Miller

Dagys says:

Team Felbermayr-Proton’s second GTE-Pro entry boasts an intriguing and diverse driver lineup unlike any other. With Porsche Super Cup star Nick Tandy joining American Le Mans Series regular Bryce Miller and Saudi Arabian Prince Abdulaziz al Faisal, it’s safe to say that there’s a bit of an unknown quantity.

While 27-year-old al Faisal will be making his Le Mans debut, believed to be the first Saudi to compete in the twice-around-the-clock classic, the strength of the GTE-Pro category could hamper their ability for a solid finish. Miller, who made his first Le Mans start last year, is effectively the veteran on the squad, but is no slouch for speed. It will be interesting to see how this trio performs.

Car No.: 89

Team: Hankook Team Farnbacher

Car: Ferrari F458 Italia

Drivers: Dominik Farnbacher - Allan Simonsen - Leh Keen

Dagys says:

While in a similar situation to JMW Motorsport, Horst Farnbacher’s squad is the only team on Hankook rubber. Yet, that could be an advantage, just take a look at last year’s runner-up result for Dominik Farnbacher, Allan Simonsen and Leh Keen.

The same trio return for 2011 but with a new weapon in Ferrari’s F458 Italia. And so far, the team hasn’t lacked speed. Simonsen posted the quickest time at the Le Mans Test Day, backed up with a runner-up finish for he and Farnbacher at last month’s 1000km of Spa. Keen is considered one of the most underrated drivers in North America and is a perfect fit to the German squad.

Could another podium result be in the cards, or perhaps something even sweeter?

GTE-Am (10 Entries)

Car No.: 50

Team: Larbre Competition (ILMC)

Car: Corvette C6.R

Drivers: Patrick Bornhauser - Julien Canal - Gabriele Gardel

Dagys says:

Returning as GT1 class champions, Larbre Competition was one of the first teams that committed to the new GTE-Am category, becoming the first customer of Corvette’s GTE-spec C6.R. While the Jack Leconte-led team hasn’t lacked its professionalism in its new campaign, Larbre was bitten by bad luck in the ILMC season-opener at Sebring.

Recovering from the early-season DNF, the No. 50 machine of Patrick Bornhauser, Julien Canal and Gabriele Gardel posted a third-place result at Spa, which certainly bodes well heading into this weekend. A consistent and trouble-free run by all three drivers should see the French squad land on the podium again, and perhaps take home back-to-back wins at la Sarthe

Car No.: 57

Team: Krohn Racing (ILMC)

Car: Ferrari F430 GT

Drivers: Tracy Krohn - Nic Jonsson - Michele Rugolo

Dagys says:

As one of two U.S.-based teams embarking on the ILMC, Krohn Racing has already enjoyed early season success with its class win at Sebring. With a challenging debut at Spa now behind them, Tracy Krohn, Nic Jonsson and Michele Rugolo head into Le Mans as one of the favorites for victory.

With two GT2-class podium finishes to their credit at Le Mans, Krohn and Jonsson have achieved success at the wheel of Risi Competizione-prepared Ferraris. And while it will mark the David Brown-led Krohn crew’s debut in the 24 Hours, there’s no shortage of experience. The team’s Ferrari F430 GT, formerly of Extreme Speed Motorsports, has proven to be well-sorted and quick. Could Krohn pull it off again?

Car No.: 60

Team: Gulf AMR Middle East (ILMC)

Car: Aston Martin Vantage

Drivers: Fabien Giroix - Michael Wainwright - Roald Goethe

Dagys says:

After competing in the Spa 24 Hours and two of the three ILMC rounds last year with a Reiter-built Lamborghini Gallardo, Gulf Team First has transformed into Gulf AMR Middle East for 2011. The British-based squad, running under the United Arab Emirates flag, has opted to go with a brand-new Aston Martin Vantage GT2 for its global campaign, centered around Le Mans.

Driven by Mike Wainwright, Roald Goethe and Fabien Giroix, the GTE-Am class effort has been put under the leadership of veteran team owner and manager David Price. A DNF at Sebring after completing just five laps and engine issues at Spa has put the team behind the eight-ball. So perhaps a finish at Le Mans would be considered a victory.

Car No.: 61

Team: AF Corse (ILMC)

Car: Ferrari F430 GT

Drivers: Pierguiseppe Perazzini - Marco Cioci - Sean Paul Breslin

Dagys says:

The third AF Corse car in this year’s race, it’s the only GTE-Am entry for the veteran GT squad. With a year-old Ferrari F430 GT and a mixed group of drivers, led by Italian ace Marco Cioci, a decent result is possible if the trio stays out of trouble.

With both of the team’s GTE-Pro cars likely taking all of the attention, for two very different reasons, the No. 61 entry could fly under the radar. If you factor in their runner-up finish at Spa, it does give some form of momentum.

Car No.: 62

Team: CRS Racing (ILMC)

Car: Ferrari F430 GT

Drivers: Pierre Ehret - Roger Wills - Shaun Lynn

Dagys says:

Another one of the Ferrari F430 GTs, CRS Racing’s program is also very much a customer-driven program. After all, much of the British squad’s focus has now been put on development of McLaren’s new MP4-12C.

A win at Le Mans, though, would be a nice addition to the resume for the Andrew Kirkaldy-owned operation, and could bode well if the McLaren, as heavily rumored, does end up in the 24-hour classic in the not-too-distant future. A top-five result is likely for this trio, led by endurance veteran Pierre Ehret.

Car No.: 63

Team: Proton Competition (ILMC)

Car: Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

Drivers: Horst Felbermayr Jr. - Horst Felbermayr Sr. - Christian Ried

Dagys says:

While running under the Proton Competition banner, the Christian Ried-led effort is effectively the third Team Felbermayr-Proton Porsche in this year’s field. Teamed with the father-and-son Felbermayr’s, the trio pulled off an unlikely win in the Le Mans Series season-opener at Paul Ricard, after their main rivals were taken out in the chaotic race start.

This time around, they’ll have to be praying for another miscue from the race director in order to end up on top in class after 24 Hours. With three gentlemen drivers at the wheel, the No. 63 entry is unlikely to turn any heads on race day.

Car No.: 68

Team: Robertson Racing

Car: Ford GT

Drivers: David Robertson - Andrea Robertson - David Murry

Dagys says:

Fulfilling a life-long dream, David and Andrea Robertson make their Le Mans debut. Regulars in American Le Mans Series competition, the hard-working privateer squad, led by team manager Andy ‘H’ Smith and chief engineer Lee Penn, have made considerable headway with its self-built Ford GT, which makes its second international appearance after taking part in the 2009 Asian Le Mans Series in Okayama, Japan.

The team had hoped for both of its Ford GTs to make the field, with its GTE-Pro car of David Murry, Anthony Lazzaro and Colin Braun sitting first on the reserve list. However, with no other teams having been withdrawn, it leaves the Georgia-based squad to focus on a single car. Murry, meanwhile, moves over to the lone No. 68 entry for the race.

After struggling with a series of spins and incidents at the Test Day, a finish in the twice-around-the-clock classic is surely the goal for one of the few remaining genuine privateers in the sport.

Car No.: 70

Team: Larbre Competition

Car: Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

Drivers: Christophe Bourret - Pascal Gibon - Jean-Philippe Belloc

Dagys says:

The Jack Leconte-led Larbre squad gains a second GTE-Am entry, a Porsche that has been entered for Le Mans-only. Led by French veteran Jean-Philippe Belloc, there’s some creditability within this effort, but for the most part, is a general unknown.

Car No.: 81

Team: Flying Lizard Motorsports

Car: Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

Drivers: Seth Neiman - Darren Law - Spencer Pumpelly

Dagys says:

Flying Lizard Motorsports expands to a two-car Le Mans effort for the first time, with its No. 81 Porsche of Darren Law, Spencer Pumpelly and team principal Seth Neiman holding a reasonable chance of victory.

With only one pro driver allowed in GTE-Am, the Lizards have optimized its driver lineup to the maximum, with Porsche ace and former Rolex 24 at Daytona class winner Spencer Pumpelly, a silver-rated driver, completing the driving strength.

A rookie to Le Mans, Pumpelly gained his necessarily mileage at the wheel of the No. 88 Team Felbermayr-Proton Porsche at the Test Day in April. With veteran Darren Law completing the lineup, it no doubt leaves the Lizards with a possibility to take home a double win on Sunday.

Car No.: 83

Team: JMB Racing

Car: Ferrari F430 GT

Drivers: Manuel Rodrigues - Jean-Marc Menahem - Nicolas Marroc

Dagys says:

JMB Racing is another one of the GTE-Am squads going with a Ferrari F430 GT. Recently acquired from AF Corse, the chassis is actually the pole-winning car from Sebring, which should give Manuel Rodrigues, Jean-Marc Menahem and Nicolas Marroc some added confidence for success. A top-five for the Monegasque team is possible.

John Dagys is SPEED.com’s Sportscar Racing Reporter

Click here for the Le Mans Spotter's Guide if you're easily confused by all the pretty racecars.

[MOTV8]

American Team Aims for Seventh Le Mans Win, First GTE Title

Corvette Racing Celebrates Chevrolet Centennial at 24 Hours of Le Mans

Racing has been a part of Chevy's heritage since the company was founded in 1911 by Swiss-born race car driver Louis Chevrolet and financier Billy Durant. Now as Chevrolet celebrates its 100th birthday and Corvette Racing commemorates the 10th anniversary of its first class win in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2001, Corvette Racing is seeking to write another chapter in Chevrolet's rich racing history with its first victory in the GTE Pro (formerly GT2) category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Corvette Racing faces fierce competition on the imposing Le Mans circuit with entries representing Ferrari, BMW, Porsche, Lotus, and Aston Martin. Corvette Racing relishes a challenge, and this year's edition of the 24-hour classic presents a formidable one.

Corvette Racing has won six times in the GTS/GT1 class at Le Mans since 2001. In 2010 the team moved to the GT2 category where it set the performance pace before accidents and mechanical problems sidelined both cars by the 18-hour mark. Now there is a sense of unfinished business as the team prepares for its 12th appearance at La Sarthe.

"Last year we had a great car that could compete with anybody," said Oliver Gavin, the pole winner in the GT2 category. "We were the pacesetting team, and we hope to continue that this year. Le Mans is such a special race, a race that everyone wants to win. You build your whole year on it, there's so much expectation and anticipation. The accident that we had showed the real mettle of the Corvette Racing team, how the crew fixed the car and got us back out quickly."

Gavin will be teamed with Jan Magnussen in the No. 74 Compuware Corvette C6.R at Le Mans, a pairing that won the GT1 title three consecutive years in 2004-06. Richard Westbrook will complete the trio this year as Olivier Beretta has moved to the No. 73 Compuware Corvette C6.R.

"I've won every time I've been to Le Mans with Oliver," Magnussen noted. "That's a big plus. Richard did a great job in testing and at Sebring, he's easy to get along with and very fast. We're all going there with high hopes.

"The approach has to be same as last year," the Danish driver continued. "We have to push as hard as we can. Going with a team like Corvette Racing, with all of the preparation and planning, you can feel the team's energy all week long. But Le Mans is Le Mans, and anything can happen – and probably will happen."

Joining Beretta in the No. 73 Compuware Corvette C6.R will be Tommy Milner and Antonio Garcia. The trio was third in the season-opening Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.

"I have raced in Le Mans since 1995, and every year I go there to achieve what every driver wants – to win," said Beretta, a five-time class winner at Le Mans. "Before you can think about the victory, you have to go through the week and make everything ready. I have won three years in a row, and I have lost three years in a row. Now I am looking for my sixth victory, and I hope 2011 will be the one."

The driver from Monaco has a deep reverence for the world's oldest and most prestigious endurance race. "People who have never been to Le Mans cannot understand what we are saying when we talk about it," Beretta said. "You have to be there to understand what Le Mans means. When you have the opportunity to go with a great car and you know everything is being done to win, that can give you even more motivation."

Beretta will be joined by his American Le Mans Series co-driver, 25-year-old Tommy Milner of Lake Mary, Fla., for the first time at Le Mans. This year marks Milner's third journey to Le Mans; his first two Le Mans races ended in disappointing DNFs by the Panoz team, but the combination of speed and experience in the No. 73 Corvette holds the promise of a better result this time.

"Le Mans is magical," Milner said. "You can feel the history there, the legendary drivers who have raced there, and the success of Corvette Racing. There is definitely something special about driving onto the Mulsanne Straight the first time. At the same time, we have to treat Le Mans like any other race, and we have to stick to the plan we use at every event. When I'm in the car, I won't be thinking about Le Mans, I'll be thinking about how to make the car faster."

Propelled by 100 years of history and fueled by the passion to compete at the top level of international sports car racing, the men and women of Corvette Racing are ready to take on the world's best at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Corvette Racing's next event is the 24 Hours of Le Mans in Le Mans, France, on June 11-12. The race will start Saturday at 3 p.m. local time (9 a.m. ET). SPEED will televise the race live, supplemented by live video streaming online at www.speedtv.com/corvette.

[Shifty]

You know, my 15yr wedding anniversary is June 11th, but I told Mrs. 'Shifter that she'll be looking at teh back of my head until teh afternoon of teh 12th....

[MOTV8]

You have a strong pimp hand.

LE MANS: Wednesday Notebook

News and notes ahead of this evening’s opening practice and qualifying sessions from Circuit de la Sarthe...

MUCKE CLEARED TO RACE AFTER SILVERSTONE CLASH — Stefan Mucke will compete at Le Mans despite being part of a controversial incident last weekend in Silverstone that resulted in the FIA’s recommendation of his drivers’ license being pulled immediately.

The German driver was involved in a clash with Richard Westbrook in the Championship Race of Sunday’s FIA GT1 World Championship round. Westbrook appeared to make contact with Mucke, sending him into a spin.

Moments later, Mucke sped up and got alongside Westbrook’s Nissan to show his frustration. With one hand off the steering wheel, Mucke allegedly lost control of his Aston Martin and ended up crashing into Westbrook.

“It was definitely my mistake,” Mucke told dailysportscar.com. “I didn’t want to hit him. I was certainly angry and I showed him my hand but there was no intention to make contact... Of course I am sorry. The issue of my license will be heard and decided in Germany but that will not happen this week.”

Mucke was cleared by the ACO during scrutineering on Monday and will join Darren Turner and Christian Klien behind the wheel of Aston Martin Racing’s No. 007 AMR-One this weekend. Ironically, Westbrook will also be in action, as part of Corvette Racing’s lineup in GTE-Pro. Let’s hope there’s no further incidents this weekend. (If Davidson or this Mucke so much as touch a vette this weekend I'm calling Buc for a drone strike on their asses.)

Watch this idiot MÜCKE recover from the punt, chase down Westbrook and clip him hard: MÜcke v. Westbrook FIA GT1

I wonder why the author doesn't include the umlaut in MÜCKE? Ü

[Desertdawg]

Westbrook wasn't going to get by anyway, his angle into the corner was bad, he knew it with the front lockup, it was his fault for punting the Astin, but for Mucke to recover and sideswipe the guy is really not good.... I may not get tp reply lately Dean, but I'm reading everything you post

[MOTV8]

Westbrook wasn't going to get by anyway, his angle into the corner was bad, he knew it with the front lockup, it was his fault for punting the Astin, but for Mucke to recover and sideswipe the guy is really not good....

I may not get tp reply lately Dean, but I'm reading everything you post

Good, I thought it was just teh Shifter and me in here!

Can you stream Speed in Gila Bend yet?

[Desertdawg]

I'll check again tonight, if not can you email me the video???

[Shifty]

I thinks I better check that teh SPEED stream works well....I've been streaming teh ESPN3.com for ALMS....

[MOTV8]

Free Practice session one has been interesting...some sandbagging out there. Teh notes from the ACO site:

Peugeots outpaced by the Audi #1 driven by Mike Rockenfeller just before the end of the first session.

First track action for the 56 starters of the 2011 running of the 24 hours race of Le Mans. The sky is overcast and grey, and temperatures are pretty low, but the drivers have lost no time in discovering or rediscovering the sarthe circuit. First car on track was #73 Corvette, but the first car to cross the finish line was the Audi #2.

LM P1. Drivers Fassler/Tréluyer/Lotterer held fastest lap in LM P1 category for most of the time, but right at the end of the first session the Audi R18 with the winning drivers of the 2010 running set festest lap at 3’27’’ 986. Rockenfeller snatched the prize from Lotterer who only 2 minutes before had set the fastest lap of the session thus far. The two Audis are followed by Peugeot 908 #9, driven by Sébastien Bourdais. It is worth mentioning that all three Audis and all three Peugeots have set lap times below the 3’30’’ mark. The 908 HDi FAP Orecas come right after the Audis and Peugeots. The Aston Martin prototype bearing number 009 has been confined to the garage for most of the session, with the engine cover removed for a close-up inspection of the engine.

LM P2. Danny Watts (of team Strakka Racing) was 4/10ths of a secons faster than the Oreca-Nissan prototypes, and fourth fastest is the OAK Pescarolo with its BMW engine.

LM GTE Pro. The BMW M3 GT are the cars to beat. Fastest man on track in this category was Augusto Farfus just ahead of his team mate Andy Priaulx. Richard Westbrook (Corvette C6 Z) is third, one second down. The Porsche Imsa Performance driven by Raymond Narac had a hard encounter with the guard rails at the Porsche curves, and the car will not participate in the qualifying session from 10 pm to midnight today. (Teh #74 vette had a small fire, was later determined to be caused by a broken power-steering hose. Had to replace a steering rack and got back on track. - Dean)

LM GTE Am. The Aston Martin Vantage driven by Fabien Giroix seems to be unbeatable. They left all the other cars in their category far behind, and came even close to competing against the GT Pro cars. Giroix' fastest adversary in LM GTE Am was the Porsche #81 of team Flying Lizard, driven by Law. Third fastest were Krohn Racing with their Ferrari F 430.

Next up: Qualifying session at 10pm!

[Shifty]

Teh Bimmers are starting to piss me off as much as teh damned Porches....

[MOTV8]

Das Bimmers schlucken pole.

Peugeot, BMW Fly To Provisional Poles For Le Mans 24 Hours

By: Tom Haapanen and Tony DiZinno

Sarrazin flies to top ahead of the Audis

Stéphane Sarrazin saved the day – or the night – for the local fans at the first qualifying session for this weekend’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. With a stonking lap time of 3:27.033, the Peugeot 908 driver outdistanced the archrival Audi works team and claimed the provisional pole position ahead of tomorrow night’s second session.

After the first 90 minutes of the two-hour qualifying session, with the clock now nearing midnight, it looked as if Audi had got the formula right this year with its new R18 TDIs holding the top three positions ahead of the Peugeots, in spite of an early incident for Romain Dumas and the No. 1 Audi.

That was a frightening incident in the first of the Mulsanne chicanes: Dumas was powering down the legendary 6-km straight, when Roald Goethe spun his LM GTE-Am Aston Martin Vantage at the first chicane. With the GTE car sitting across the narrow chicane, Dumas ran out of time to avoid it, and ended up T-boning the hapless Aston Martin. Both drivers were OK, however, and even damage to the cars appeared relatively light.

But it was with 30 minutes to go in the session that Sarrazin finally broke through the Audi hegemony atop the session timing screens, seizing the provisional pole position with a time of 3:27.033 in the No. 8 Peugeot, nine tenths faster than erstwhile leader André Lotterer. The excitement in the stands was palpable as the giant screens switched to the session standings showing a Peugeot leading the Audi trio.

Sarrazin’s position at the top was not threatened for the remainder of the session: in fact, even with the No. 1 car out of play, the Audis’ 2-1-3 formation remained to the end of the session, with Lotterer’s time beating out those set by Rockenfeller and the No. 3 Audi’s Allan McNish. The two remaining works Peugeots, the No. 7 and No. 9, were fifth and sixth respectively, never mounting a serious challenge to the Audis. Are they waiting until tomorrow before mounting a full attack on the German powerhouse? Check back tomorrow to find out.

Peugeot might be hoping history repeats itself as last year the team captured the provisional pole on Wednesday with Sebastien Bourdais; this year it is Sarrazin primed to achieve the feat on the first of two days of qualifying.

In the petrol sub-division, it was traditional favourite Pescarolo Team drawing first blood, with Emmanuel Collard taking 10th in the No. 16 Pescarolo-Judd, the French team easily outpacing the Rebellion Racing Lola-Toyotas in this session, though five seconds adrift of the slowest of the diesels. The No. 12 and No. 13 Rebellions were almost two and three seconds slower, respectively, than the Pescarolo.

There might have been some changes yet in the closing minutes of the session, but LM P2 leader Nick Leventis spun the No. 42 Strakka Racing HPD ARX-01d at the Dunlop chicane, spreading pieces of bodywork all over the trackside. The HPD teams have limited inventory of some parts, so the team must hope that at least the tub is repairable.

Before that, Leventis had set the top time in the category at 3:42.615, half a second faster than the No. 26 Signatech Oreca-Nissan, and a full second ahead of the No. 48 Team Oreca Matmut Oreca-Nissan entry.

BMW follows practice pace with LM GTE-Pro provisional pole

Any of six manufacturers has a decent chance at capturing victory in this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans in the GTE Pro category. One stood out through the first day of practice and qualifying, BMW with its pair of BMW Motorsport-run M3s.

After pacing practice with their two cars first and second in class, BMW followed it up with a one-three in provisional qualifying. With the No. 51 AF Corse Ferrari splitting the two, entrants in the full-season Intercontinental Le Mans Cup are currently top three on the grid for the double-points round of the ILMC season.

Andy Priaulx, about as big of an ace third driver to come in for endurance races, set the mark of 3:58.426 in the first 20 minutes of the two-hour qualifying session. The time was more than half a second quicker than any other car in the 18-car class, and stood for the remaining hour and 40 minutes for the provisional pole.

Priaulx drives with Dirk Mueller and Joey Hand, the American looking for the endurance “Triple Crown” in 2011, in the No. 56 car. The Englishman captured four touring car championships in succession from 2004 through 2007.

After being nearly 2.5 seconds adrift in practice, AF Corse found the necessary speed with its Ferrari F458 Italia to move to P2 in class.

The team’s entry with drivers Giancarlo Fisichella, Gianmaria Bruni and Toni Vilander was faster in the first and third sectors of the 8.4-mile, but struggled in the second sector for top-line speed down the Mulsanne straight in comparison to the BMW. The net result was the best time of 3:58.989 that Bruni set, also in the first 20 minutes.

BMW’s second M3 clocked in third in class, ahead of the two Corvette Racing C6.Rs and No. 59 Luxury Racing Ferrari F458, the car with technical support from America’s Risi Competizione. Two European-entered Porsche 911 GT3 RSRs from ProSpeed and Felbermayr-Proton, respectively finished up seventh and eighth. The top eight cars in class were all within 1.572 seconds of the leading BMW, a very tight margin over the course of a track this long.

Flying Lizard’s results with their Porsches were mixed; the team clocked in only 10th in GTE Pro but second in GTE Am. One American everyone has their eyes on, Michael Waltrip, currently sits 16th in GTE Pro in the second AF Corse F458 with Rob Kauffman and Rui Aguas; Aguas set the car’s fastest time.

GTE Am provisional pole went to Larbre Competition with its older Porsche 911 GT3 RSR. The French team has both a Porsche and an older Corvette C6.R. Flying Lizard’s GTE Am-entered Porsche with Seth Neiman, Darren Law and Spencer Pumpelly driving came second ahead of the Gulf AMR Middle East Aston Martin Vantage.

Although the Aston suffered minor bodywork damage from the accident with the Audi as described above, the car will be fine and repairable. Driver Roald Goethe was fine after the incident, having spun out ahead of the contact at Mulsanne.

The Robertson Racing Doran Ford GT-R and IMSA Performance Matmut Porsche were not so lucky on Wednesday. IMSA Performance team principal and driver Raymond Narac went off at Porsche Curves and contacted the tire barriers; the car suffered major damage and did not go out for qualifying. Robertson’s Ford spun in practice (blown engine - Dean ) and only completed one timed lap during qualifying; the team’s garage was closed at the end of qualifying.

'sposed to rain tomorrow, so these times may hold up.

[Marana Rich]

I too lurk here.

[MOTV8]

I too lurk here.

Wassup Rich!

I always try to do some photo vadering before the Frenchies kill the hotlinks...enjoy!

http://www.lemans.org/wpphpFichiers/Albums/4/22/2011_24_Heures_du_Mans_007-_ASTON_MARTIN_RACING_ASTON_MARTIN_AMR-ONE_FGA_1124A_D32_1258_hd.jpg

[MOTV8]

Corvette Racing Le Mans Wednesday Report

Circuit de la Sarthe

Corvette Racing Fourth and Fifth in Provisional Le Mans Qualifying

Magnussen and Beretta Post Top-Five Qualifying Times in First Qualifying Session

Preparations for this weekend's 79th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans began today with four hours of free practice followed by the first of three two-hour qualifying sessions. Corvette Racing's twin Compuware Corvette C6.Rs were third and fifth in the opening practice session. Then after a two-hour break, the initial qualifying session ran from 10 p.m. to midnight on the imposing 8.5-mile circuit.

Jan Magnussen qualified the No. 74 Corvette C6.R fourth on the provisional GTE Pro grid at 3:59.519, and Olivier Beretta was fifth at 3:59.633 in the No. 73 Corvette C6.R. The No. 56 BMW M3 GT is on the provisional GTE pole with the fastest lap at 3:58.426.

"Our objective here is not to win the pole; our objective is to develop a vehicle that can be raced comfortably and competitively by all three drivers in each car," said Corvette Racing program manager Doug Fehan. "Victory is our objective and that's what we're working toward."

Qualifying will continue on Thursday with a second session from 7 to 9 p.m., and conclude with the final session from 10 p.m. to midnight. With the possibility of rain tomorrow, the team has already posted competitive qualifying times with both Corvettes and all six drivers have completed their required laps in darkness.

"We got in a good qualifying run for P4, and we'll see what we can do to improve tomorrow," said Magnussen. "Our competition is fast, but we still have some improvements to make. I think we have a car now that would do very well in the race. Judging by previous years and how the track changes, we're in good shape, and we can still improve in small areas."

Olivier Beretta agreed: “All went well today," said the five-time winner at Le Mans. "We worked through our to-do list and it all worked out fine. The setup improved throughout the session each time we changed something. There was a brief interruption with a red flag situation, but it didn’t upset our schedule at all. The track was still quite dirty in the beginning of the session, but it cleaned up pretty quickly. The car is exactly how it always is when we begin an event: nearly perfect.”

Oliver Gavin had a dramatic moment at 90 minutes into the opening practice session. "I had just started a timed lap and was going through the Esses when we had a problem with the power steering system," he said. "The car was fully loaded going down the hill, and I had to make a pretty big correction. I brought the car back to the pits, but driving slowly around Le Mans is pretty hairy – those prototypes go past very, very fast.

"It's great to be back at Le Mans in our cars," Gavin added. "The circuit is a bit dirty, a little green, but felt pretty comfortable."

Tommy Milner turned his first laps at Le Mans in the No. 73 Corvette C6.R that he shares with Beretta and Antonio Garcia. "There wasn't a big difference from the Larbre Competition Corvette that I drove during the Le Mans test in April, but it's cool to be in the Corvette Racing C6.R," said the 25-year-old American driver. "Now we're focused on the task at hand. During my time in the car we made a really good change to improve the balance of the car, so we've found a direction to take and we're definitely making progress. We just have to keep at it and get the car as comfortable as we can."

“It’s good to be back in Le Mans after a year away," said Garcia. "For me it’s about getting into the rhythm again and trying to figure out traffic and how to work with the faster prototypes. We’re just concentrating on getting the car ready for the race, as we do every year. The most important thing is to get a consistent and comfortable car. Now we’ll analyze the data and fine tune the setup.”

"We've definitely got something to build on," said Richard Westbrook, the third driver in the No. 74 Corvette C6.R. "The track is changing all the time, so we have to react to that. We have a very good baseline car, and I think all three of the drivers and the engineers are confident that the small changes we make will improve things. There are no major issues, so it's just the fine tuning to react to the change in the track."

The 24 Hours of Le Mans will be contested on June 11-12. The race will start Saturday at 3 p.m. local time (9 a.m. ET).

-source: gm racing

Today's session went green...but teh #009 Aston promptly wadded it, bringing out the red flag.

[MOTV8]

Live text feed from qualifying session for the 79th 24 hours of Le Mans, from 19:00 to 21:00

19h04 : Green flag at 19.00

19h08 : # 60 Aston damage repaired but can't get reverse gear so changing box

19h12 : # 76 IMSA Performance car about to leave the pits, following yesterday's crash

19h14 : Raymond Narac: "I lost the car yesterday, was going too fast. The guys have worked all night, and have done a great job

19h17 : All 3 Audi's have race engines installed tonight

19h19 : #65 Lotus smoking badly - makes it back to pits, back of car covered in oil

19h21 : # 89 Wont be out for an hour at least working on gearbox ratios

19h25 : # 42 Strakka Racing which crashed badly last night, is lapping well tonight

19h34 : # 65 Lotus - oil it into the exhaust - engine dead. Deciding whether to replace engine fast and go out again tonight

19h39 : # 009 Aston spins near Ford Chicane - body damaged - has hit wall - wil l have to complete whole lap to get back to pit

19h46 : The Aston # 009 has made it back to the pits.. They have brought it in to be weighed...

19h53 : Safety car at 19.52 may be a practice?

19h56 : Green Flag at 19.54

20h07 : At end of first hour tonight # 8 Peugeot quickest 3: 27.908

20h10 : # 76 going slowly more problems?

20h11 : RLM say# 009 brake fire on right rear, pulled into weighbridge on fire, marshal can't get pin out of fire bottle

20h14 : New fastest lap today # 1 Audi 3:27.876

20h19 : Not seen today: 50 Larbre Corvette, 57 Krohn Ferrari, 007 Aston - 65 Lotus went out, caught fire before setting time

20h22 : RLM say clutch problem for Primat # 009 Aston

20H23 : Oil leak for the #40 car. The crew is trying to spot the leak.

20h25 : # 007 Aston now running driven by Darren Turner

20h26 : The #33 Level 5 Lola is stopped at Indianapolis corner.

20h28 : # 33 Lola being brought back to Parc Ferme, Barbosa and Tucker still to do night laps

20h30 : McNish in # 3 3:27.602 to go fastest tonight

20h38 : The #75 Porsche is crawling on the track.

20h39 : One or two drivers complaining about oil slick on track after legends practice?

20h42 : Best lap time for Stéphane Sarrazin and the #8 Peugeot in 3:26.336.

20h44 : # 8 Peugeot, Sarrazin improves pole time to 3:26.336

20h44 : Marc Gené (#7 Peugeot) sets up the best lap in 3:26.272.

20H48 : #7 Gene goes faster 3:26.272

20h51 : Gimmi Bruni (#51 Ferrari) chalks up the best time in the LM GTE Pro class: 3:58.040.

20h51 : # 56 BMW crashes at Ford Chicane oil on circuit? (Too bad?)

20H52 : The #8 Peugeot spun at Dunlop chicane.

20h53 : # 62 Ferrari and # 80 Porsche make contact at the Michelin chicane, but make it back safely into the pits

20h55 : Fastest Audi time of session # 2 Fassler 3:26.796

20h56 : Stéphane Sarrazin (#8 Peugeot) spun for the second time in a few laps.

20h57 : All cars now set a time apart from fiery # 65 Lotus in this session

20h58 : The #007 Aston Martin driven by Stefan Mücke is back to the pits with front damages (Nice work MÜCKE! )

20h58 : # 007 Aston left front wheel arch gone, second time in two days

21h01 : 3:25.961 #Audi 2 Marcel Fassler quickest

21h06 : Night session will start at 10PM !

21h07 : LM P2 fastest # 26 Oreca 3:41.458 fastest petrol # 16 Pescarolo 3:33.066

[MOTV8]

Audi take command

Is this the calm before the storm? Maybe because if the teams have worked mainly in settings of early qualification, all have gone full out in the final minutes. Ultimately the #2 Audi, driven by Marcel Fassler had the fastest time.

Track dry and in clear weather, the 56 competitors began the first session of the second qualifying sessions. (19h-21h). The day began rather quietly, but the end of the session was eventful with the Peugeot #7 and #8 having improved, one after another over the #2 Audi.

LMP1: Nothing much at the beginning, but the final minutes were tense. A few seconds before the chequered flag, Marcel Fassler (Audi R18 #2) has set a 3'25''961 enough to get the jump on the two Peugeots. The 908, #8 then crossed the timing line just before the chequerered flag and began a fast lap. The man from the Ardèche failed however by two tenths. However he managed to outpace the other two Audi R18. The Pescarolo-Judd managed 8th rank ad first petrol prototype.

LMP2. The two Oreca-Nissan prototypes of Signatech, dominated the category, while there was caution on the side of Strakka Racing after the accident of Nick Leventis on Wednesday evening. In this category lap times improved more than a second.

GTE Pro. Yesterday BMW led the way, tonight is is Ferrari who set the fastest time. The crew of the 458 Italia of AF Corse dominated the official, or at least the BMW M3 GT #56. Andy Priaulx in the other M3 GT partially destroyed his car during a violent accident.

GTE AM. Also a Ferrari at the front, the 430, #61, in the hands of Cioci has not done things by half in beating the Porsche of Proton by nearly a second and a half. Third, the Porsche, the #81 of Flying Lizard Motorsport.

And the high-def photo vadering shall continue until....

No...that's not the shifter...

No wonder Ferraris cost so much!

Um...I believe this was a C6?

I voted for teh blonde.

[Shifty]

I'd love to make it there some year.... :addingtobucketlist:

[y2krtaf]

I too lurk here.

As do I!

[MOTV8]

I too lurk here.

As do I!

Right on Gary!

Audi Take Pole

Session 2. (22h-00)

LM P1. Audi R18 # 1 captured the provisional pole (3'25''799). The tone was set, but the meeting was interrupted by a red flag. The Aston 007 was stuck in the gravel at Mulsanne and Anthony Beltoise (Porsche No. 58) stuck in the tyres in the same place. The meeting was resumed. Times did not improve until Tréluyer (Audi #2) kept competition alive. The French driver took pole in 3'25''738. At the end of the session the Audi #3 driven by Tom Kristensen pushed hard but ended the session by going off the track at Tertre Rouge. Audi occupy the front of the grid ahead of two Peugeots. Toyota Rebellion # 12, can boast of being the first petrol prototype, with its Pescarolo Judd.

LMP2. It has not been quiet in this category either. Finally the Oreca-Nissan of Signatech, #26 (Mailleux / Ayari / Ordain) confirmed his excellent early evening run. The Franco-Spanish trio of Philip Sinault Strakka Racing ahead of more than one second. The other Oreca-Nissan Oreca Matmut, #48.

In LM GTE Pro, the second official BMW M3 (# 56) has made up for its sister car, that had an accident in the earlier session. The #55 retains the third position, while the #56 set the best time just moments before the red flag of 22:15, facing the Italia Ferrari 458 #51 of the Italian team AF Corse. Ferrari took pole position of the LM GTE Am ahead of two Porsches, Felbermayr-Proton (#63) and the French team Larbre Competition (#70).

Corvettes slotted 4th and 6th!

Complete timing RESULTS.

The Larbre vette qualified 8th in class. And wassup with that Pro class Lizard???

[P51tj]

There was a Blonde?????

[MOTV8]

Yes Timmeh, there was. And the carpet matched the drapes.

This reminds me of teh maginot line with teh frenchies givin up these HD pix so easy...Thursday's action:

Good Lotus...

Bad Lotus...aka teh British Fumigation Service

Teh Hybrid tehy keep hyping...

Lighten up...Francis.

Lintlicking Larbre sighting.

Spare motors come in "handy" at Ford.

WTH is that hanging out of the right side rear diffuser?

http://www.lemans.org/wpphpFichiers/Albums/4/23/2011_24_Heures_du_Mans_76-_IMSA_PERFORMANCE_MATMUT_PORSCHE_911_RSR_(997)_ACA_1124A_D32_1888_hd.jpg

You're doing it wrong.

http://www.lemans.org/wpphpFichiers/Albums/4/23/2011_24_Heures_du_Mans_26-_SIGNATECH_NISSAN_ORECA_03-NISSAN_ACA_1124A_D32_1859_hd.jpg

http://www.lemans.org/wpphpFichiers/Albums/4/23/2011_24_Heures_du_Mans_1-_AUDI_SPORT_TEAM_JOEST_AUDI_R18_TDI_ACA_1124A_D32_1931_hd.jpg

"Ja, das Lizards ver schlucken...."

http://www.lemans.org/wpphpFichiers/Albums/4/23/2011_24_Heures_du_Mans_3-_AUDI_SPORT_NORTH_AMERICA_AUDI_R18_TDI_ACA_1124A_D32_1916_hd.jpg

"We heard that."

http://www.lemans.org/wpphpFichiers/Albums/4/23/2011_24_Heures_du_Mans_80-_FLYING_LIZARD_MOTORSPORTS_PORSCHE_911_RSR_(997)_ACA_1124A_D32_1954_hd.jpg

[MOTV8]

Corvette Racing Le Mans Final Qualifying Report

Corvette Racing Qualifies Fourth and Sixth for 24 Hours of Le Mans

Team Focuses on Race Day Preparations in Final Qualifying Sessions

LE MANS, France - At midnight in Le Mans, the field was set for the 59th running of the world's greatest sports car race. Corvette Racing will start fourth and sixth in the 18-strong GTE Pro field in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Back-to-back two-hour qualifying sessions tonight determined the final qualifying order, but the Corvette Racing crew concentrated on preparing for the upcoming 24-hour endurance test.

Both Compuware Corvette C6.Rs stood on their lap times set on Wednesday night. Jan Magnussen qualified the No. 74 Corvette C6.R fourth at 3:59.519, and Olivier Beretta turned the sixth quickest time at 3:59.633 in the No. 73 Corvette C6.R. The No. 55 BMW M3 GT claimed the GTE pole with a fast lap at 3:57.592.

"We didn't really make qualifying runs tonight, but focused instead on the race setups," said Corvette Racing team manager Gary Pratt. "The track was covered with oil in the final two-hour session, so there wasn't any reason to try to run quicker. We did a good job on Wednesday night, qualifying the cars fourth and sixth, and those are good starting positions. Now we want to have cars that can run well for 24 hours, so we'll concentrate on the final prep tomorrow and be ready to race on Saturday."

The No. 73 Corvette crew elected to install their race motor and new brakes during the one-hour break between sessions, while the No. 74 Corvette crew installed a fresh gearbox. The new parts were run in during the closing hours of qualifying. With no track activity scheduled on Friday, the team has a full day to complete their pre-race preparations.

“We sorted out some issues throughout both qualifying sessions today," Magnussen said. "At the beginning of the second session we wanted to go for a fast lap with a baseline race setup, but that didn’t work out. P4 and P6 on the grid for this race is good. It would have been great to start from pole, of course, but the race is a different story. We’re happy with where we are now as the car seems to come to us the longer we run.”

Magnussen's teammate Oliver Gavin agreed: "We made some progress and the car felt good at the end of the run, and that was on old tires," he reported. "It bodes well for the race that we can produce competitive lap times on used tires."

"We had some handling issues initially and worked on solving them," said Richard Westbrook, third driver in the No. 74 Corvette C6.R. "That's part and parcel of the buildup for Le Mans, getting these things out of the way."

Tommy Milner had the only incident of the evening when he kissed the tire barrier at Mulsanne Corner. The crew replaced the nose section on the No. 73 Corvette C6.R and soon had the car back on track.

"The crew did an awesome job, they got me back out again quickly and I was able to turn my fastest laps of the week," Milner said. "In the end we had a respectable lap time and we're moving in the right direction, which feels good. I wasn't able to string many laps together in the previous practice sessions, so getting a long run tonight helped me to settle in."

The 24 Hours of Le Mans will be run on June 11-12. The race will start Saturday at 3 p.m. local time (9 a.m. ET). SPEED will televise the race live, supplemented by live online video streaming at www.speedtv.com/corvette. Check local listings for broadcast times.

-source: gm racing

[MOTV8]

LE MANS: Corvette Aiming High

Ten years after scoring their first class victory at la Sarthe, the Pratt & Miller squad looks for their seventh crown in the world’s biggest endurance race...

John Dagys | Posted June 10, 2011 Le Mans, (FRA)

When you think of American teams at Le Mans, Corvette Racing is likely one of the first that comes to mind. With six class victories in the twice-around-the-clock classic, the Pratt & Miller squad have not only been the most successful team flying the stars and stripes over the past decade, but are also quickly becoming a staple of the French endurance classic.

In their 12th appearance to Le Mans, Corvette is the longest-running team with consecutive starts at la Sarthe. But despite having a better than 50-percent win record, this year’s quest for victory number seven could be one of their toughest yet as they go up against some of the stiffest competition yet in GTE-Pro.

“We already have an extremely high level of confidence, which is all you can do,” said Corvette Racing program manager Doug Fehan. “Because this is going to be 25 percent great car, 25 percent great team and 50 percent good luck. And you can only control the first two; the third you have to wait for the race to see what happens.”

Fehan knows all too well about defeat. Both cars suffered engine failures in their GT2 debut last year after a dominating run early on. In fact, the 2010 season, Corvette’s first season in GT(2), was one of its most challenging yet, with only one American Le Mans Series victory to its credit.

But with improvements having been made to its in-house-built 5.5-liter V8s, along with extensive aerodynamic developments, and two ALMS podium finishes to their credit this season, there’s no doubt high hopes for a victory in the GTE-Pro class this time around.

“It was so close last year,” said Oliver Gavin, driver of the No. 74 Corvette C6.R. “We were leading comfortably and it was all looking so good. The car was fantastic, and we hope to have the same fantastic car this year. There’s no reason why not.

“But it’s going to be hard to have that sort of performance advantage we had on other cars this year. I think it’s going to be a lot tighter and a lot closer. The BMWs will probably be real fast. They had a bit of an off year last year and I think they’ll be right on it. The [Ferrari] F458s were quick at the test, so they’re going to be fast but maybe fragile.”

With 18 cars in the GTE-Pro category, there’s likely to be little margin for error for any hopefuls fighting for a podium finish. For Gavin and co-drivers Jan Magnussen and Richard Westbrook, arguably one of the strongest lineups in the class, the key will be running a strong and trouble-free race.

The same could be said for the sister No. 73 machine of Olivier Beretta, Antonio Garcia and new recruit Tommy Milner, who makes his third Le Mans start, but first for the bow-tie.

“For a lot of the team, they have some unfinished business,” Milner said. They’ve won this race many times and still want to do it in GT[E-Pro] in this competition. I think what makes Corvette good is that we focus on ourselves. They look at the task at hand now and how to fix problems we may have now, and not look to last year... If we continue to focus on ourselves, I think we’ll be in good shape.”

With the team taking advantage of the Le Mans Test Day in April, utilizing customer Larbre Competition’s Corvette chassis, Fehan feels they have all of the necessary knowledge and tools needed for victory on Sunday.

“I think we’re comfortable knowing that we’re as well prepared as we could possibly be, given the constraints of time and resources,” Fehan said. “We know the mission. We’ve got as much or if not more experience than anybody here. Those things all play to our favor. At the end of the day, we still have to run the race.”

[Shifty]

Gah! This waiting is killin' me...