Pre-race Notes and Quotes

Marino Franchitti, “That was my first time driving this car in the wet and it felt really good. Now turn one at the start of the race might be a bit different with all that spray.”

Rick Mayer, “With have some new aero pieces on this car, so we’re not sure how it will react in the wet. We’ve set it up with some educated guessing, but we should be good. Jamie was happy with it during the morning practice and both other drivers were up to speed in one lap.”

Marco Werner, “It’s not so nice in an open LMP in this weather. We are struggling to get heat in the tires. It takes several laps to get them up to temperature. It doesn’t seem to mater whether it rain tires or slicks. Last year we had an advantage in the wet over the Peugeots, but they improved and I don’t think we hold that advantage anymore.”

Mechanics were busy in the cockpit of the #90 BMW as the cars were being place on the grid. “Just checking on a few things” is what we were told but it sure looked like they were replacing a few electronic bits from behind the driver’s seat.

Also receiving mechanical attention during pre-race were the prototypes of the Autocon and Dyson. The Autocon Lola needed a shift actuator replaced and the #16 Mazda Lola was getting a traction control sensor replaced.

Duncan Dayton, “David reported that the car was fine during morning warm-up. He took it very slow to be sure everything was up to snuff. The rain will help us I think. It will slow down the field and dampen the diesels ability to get off the corner as quickly. We should also benefit with the larger front tires. As far as the championship, we are on the defense so we need to play it cool. While De Ferran has to attack so they will need to take a few more chances.”

Dale White, “I’m just glad to be here, rain or shine. I think our car will be real good in the wet. We were second quickest in morning practice without really trying. Rob commented that the car handled just like a GT would in the dry.”

RW