ILMC/ LMS, Spa 1000kms - Thursday Morning Notes

It’s bright, sunny but breezy start to proceedings at Spa.

First task of the morning was to hand over a couple of pairs of new Puma racing boots (size 6.5) to Nic Minassian, a mercy dash post Mclaren launch to Nic’s Sussex home where the extended bank Holiday weekend (congratulations William and Kate!) meant that the delivery date slipped – Nic though has now got boots to match his suits.

Second task this morning for Nic (and the rest of the grid) was Drivers briefing – More significant than the norm too as the Clerk of the Course provided a full apology and explanation for the disastrous start procedure at Paul Ricard.

The explanation in brief was that the problem was caused by a communications misunderstanding – The second car under the Safety car was correctly communicated and the lights were off on the Safety car to indicate that it would pit at the end of the second pace car lap.

The race time was due to start at the commencement of that second pace lap but that’s where the issue occurred – Race time start and Race Start were confused in race control and due to a lack of clarity the green lights were incorrectly shown.

It’s quite correct that this was explained to those concerned and an apology given – Well done to the race officials for doing so.

In the pitlane there was much of interest starting with the factory Peugeots that were all sporting slightly a revised version of their Le Mans low drag front bodywork.

AF Corse’s #51 Ferrari 458 was about to be fitted with its development front bodywork sporting the carbon fibre inlays that the car ran at Le Mans – None of the other 458s present here currently have this configuration.

Michael Waltrip is not here this weekend so the #72 car will race with just Aguas and Kauffman.

The #64 Lotus was out in pitlane sporting Orange/ gold racing stripes on its carbon bodywork.

Level 5 have both of their Lola Coupes here, the second car also numbered #33.  The team plan to race the newer of the two cars with the second car the chassis that raced (and won) at Sebring) due to fill duties as a spare in Europe for the remainder of the season.

Niek Hommerson joins Christian Ried in the GTE AM #63 Fellbermayer Proton Porsche, this the championship winning #77 car from last season!

We’ll have more from the pitlane with a one to one with Hope Racing and some background from Strakka Racing to come after the first practice session – due to get underway in just 30 minutes here.

GG