Final preparations are underway by the British-based Veloqx Prodrive Racing team as they head for the famous French track to take part in this weekend’s official test session hosted by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO).

Formerly known as pre-qualifying, when it was a competitive, timed event to determine which teams went forward to the race itself, the open test session is nevertheless the first real indication for many of a team’s potential performance at the 24 Hour race in June.  It offers all competitors their first opportunity this year to visit the 13.6km track and test the many technical developments that have taken place over the last 12 months.

The two scarlet Care Racing owned Ferrari 550 GTS Maranellos will be challenging for GTS class honours – with a team and driver line-up determined to claim their place at the top of the timesheets.  The Prodrive-developed car has over recent months undergone a substantial amount of aerodynamic testing – using data gleaned from a CFD analysis (computational fluid dynamics) undertaken by Advantage CFD, a company within the Prodrive group – and will be assessing a new rear wing amongst other things.  

Team Principal George Howard-Chappell feels quietly confident about the reliability of the car.  “We had a very positive test at Paul Ricard recently which, together with our race and test mileage at Sebring, has given us lots of data. We’ve been working closely with Xtrac since the last test to identify and solve the gearbox problem that occurred after 27 hrs and are confident we can increase the safety margin.  Our main aim this weekend is to give the Le Mans newcomers (car no.80) plenty of time to familiarise themselves with the track, and to use the other car (no.88) for fine tuning our set ups and Michelin tyre evaluation.” 

The international driver line up includes four British drivers – three of whom have not visited Le Mans before.  Kelvin Burt, Anthony Davidson and Darren Turner are all anxious to prove that lack of track experience will not detract from their performance, and will be guided through their debut by Veloqx’s highly experienced Le Mans engineer, Eddie Hinckley.  While Jamie Davies, Tomas Enge (CZ) and Peter Kox (NL) have an opening advantage this weekend through their combined tally of 8 Le Mans starts, the Veloqx Prodrive Racing drivers have all shown themselves to be very equal in testing to date.  

Kelvin Burt (GB), car no. 80:  Le Mans is such a big race, it would be fantastic to get a result there.  We know the Ferrari 550 is quick enough to win [the GTS class], even our car which is going there with three Le Mans novices.  I'm currently trying to find a computer game to help me try and learn the track a bit before I get there.  We get relatively limited track time and, because the laps are so long (approx 4 minutes per lap), it will be hard to rack up a lot of time in the car.  I've proved already this year though that new circuits don't hold any fear, and was quickest in our class in practice sessions at both Sebring and Magny Cours, both tracks new to me this year.  Having said that, Le Mans will be more daunting because of the high speeds, corners as well as straights, and it will be more difficult at night.  I think our potential success will hinge on good pit stops and us not throwing it off the track.  If we can keep our noses clean we'll be right up there at the end."

Anthony Davidson (GB), car no. 80:  “This is an event with a lot of history and it’s great to take part in that and have it on your CV.  Testing has gone well and I’m sure that in the 550 we have the car to do it, and I’m really looking forward to it.  Not racing regularly this year means that every race I do is good and I enjoy it more – I’ve really got into the spirit of team-mates and a real team atmosphere over the last couple of months and the 24 hour test at Paul Ricard showed me what it’s like for team members as well as drivers.  In fact, I think we get an easy deal as at least we get to sleep occasionally!  I’ve got some video games to help me learn the track, which are really good these days, and I can almost do a lap of the track now in my head which will help at the weekend, especially in the first couple of laps.  As the virgin squad, it may be hard for us to match the pace of our team mates but I’ve learnt from Sebring that if you do a good job and never give up, you’ll be up there at the finish.”

Jamie Davies (GB), car no. 88:  “I’m really looking forward to it, and hoping the car will be strong and competitive against the Corvettes.  Le Mans will suit us more than Sebring did and, after Paul Ricard, we are in good shape.  I’ve now had more time to get to know Tomas and Peter, and we’ve developed a good working relationship.  Tomas knows the car really well and Peter’s Le Mans experience will be invaluable to us, no matter what the weather or track conditions will be.”   

Darren Turner (GB), car no. 80 :  “For me taking to the track for the first time is going to be a big moment.  I’ve wanted to do Le Mans for at least 6 years, so this opportunity is a big plus in my racing career.  For any driver to have it on their CV marks a major event in their racing career.  I’m glad this weekend is a test and nothing more as it takes the pressure off and we can spend time learning the circuit and as much as possible about how the car performs there.  I know I will enjoy it a lot so can’t wait to get there and get going.” 

The track action takes place on Sunday, 4th May between 0900-1300 hrs and 1400-1800 hrs.