Rob Bell thinks one can. To be honest, we're going there to win, he said. We have three professional drivers in a proven car which has won endurance races before six hour races and tyre support from a major manufacturer, Dunlop. That's a rare package, with so many positives that we can go with a high level of expectation. Although we also have to bear in mind it is a difficult place and just because you have three top flight drivers and a good car, it doesn't necessarily mean that you'll win. You have to be aware of the other good people around you, not only in our class, but in other classes these are coming past you regularly, and if they have difficulty in getting past, there could be a problem. You need to keep it on the tarmac and, I think for GT2, if you have a clean run, you could be looking at a podium and if you're a bit lucky, perhaps victory. Michelotto, the Ferrari development agents, help us extensively. They've been running 24 hour engine tests, and with their engineers in our garage, we know we strong support. They also help with car set up, so we work closely with them and this is very important and valuable to us. Having this level of back up gives us the confidence to tackle something like Le Mans. Question is, are there enough twisty bits? The Porsches are slightly faster on the straights, going by test day results. Risi topped the test day times on a damp track. Bell however considers Flying Lizard the big challenge. Bell added that he expected the other Ferrari teams to be strong during the race with their professional driver line-ups, but tipped a rival from the Porsche camp to shine in qualifying. On outright pace I would have to say Porsche at Le Mans, but there isn't a Porsche with three professional drivers behind the wheel, he said when asked who he expected to be a rival. It's the other Ferrari entries and tyre manufacturers that are similarly rivals. We're up against Ferraris with Michelin and Pirelli tyres, so they'll be quick, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the Flying Lizard Porsche entry take pole for our class. If you can't be there, follow the action on http://www.radiolemans.com/
First of all, the number of Ferraris is greater than the number of Porsches entered - so . . . statistically speaking the F Cars have the advantage. I look for the battle to be Risi (Melo/Salo/Bruni) vs. Virgo vs. Flying Lizards. It could conceivably be just like last year when I remarked to John at dawn at the Dunlop Bridge about the Krohn Risi - he looks likes he's out for a Sunday drive with no cars about - well they took a podium - so at LeMans it's not always how fast you go . . it's all about making it thru the night and being there in the morning into the afternoon. LMP1 certainly will be the most interesting class - especially with three Audis and three Pugs - now two Spanish coupes and not to forget the Lola/Aston. Having seen the "purple Porsche" and Essex RS Spyders run a couple times this year . . well my prediction is either one will take LMP2 - this is the first time for this long of a race for the Spyders. GT1 - of course I'm pulling for Team Modena (see you Friday Rik) - hoping for an Aston 1-2-3. My pick for LMP1 is an obvious one - Allan/Dindo/Tom - Allan won GT1 ten years ago in the #26 Porsche 911GT1. Hope many of you follow the race this weekend. . . Carol
GT1 = Corvette fastest Astons running 5th and 6th. Behind even a privateer Lambo atm. GT2 - Porsche #1 #2 atm #3 Virgo Ferrari Radio LeMans http://www.radiolemans.com/ http://rlm08.0157.org/lm24.php#
