The recent 6 Hours of Fuji rejuvenated Larbre Compétition’s LMGTE Am championship position, following difficult races in Brazil and Bahrain for the French Corvette team which fields two Corvette C6.R ZR-1s. Pole position and the class win boosted their points score to give them a solid advantage over their nearest rivals, the German Team Felbermayr-Proton squad, as they approach the final round of the 2012 FIA World Endurance Championship, the 6 Hours of Shanghai in the People’s Republic of China on Sunday, 28th October.
The highly successful GT team, which is based alongside the Circuit du Val de Vienne in mid-West France, will be looking to capitalise on its victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in Japan and get its hands on the FIA Endurance Trophy for LMGTE Am Teams, something that has been tantalisingly close for the last two races.
Christian Ried’s Team Felbermayr-Proton Porsche, running the No.88 Porsche 911 RSR, will be determined to prove that their four class victories this season, including the 12 Hours of Sebring, makes them a deserving winner, although the mathematical odds are stacked against them. As many know, however, in racing anything can happen.
Jack Leconte, Team Manager: “I am extremely pleased with our display as a team this weekend. After the issues of Brazil and Bahrain it was important that we came out fighting and demonstrated our undisputed performance, which is what happened. 20 points is a significant advantage heading into the final round but we will not become complacent. Staging races every two weeks all over the world is perfectly suited to a team as experienced as Larbre Competition. Drivers also remain in the groove, which allows them to perform at a higher level. We will be targeting pole position and victory again in Shanghai on the final stop of this year’s world tour.”
Pedro Lamy, No.50 Corvette C6.R: “I was delighted to make my racing return in Japan and especially as it was Fuji. It’s a circuit I really enjoy due to the one or two quite fast corners as well as the long main straight. I was also happy to be reunited with my team-mates Julien and Patrick, as well as Jack Leconte and his technical staff. Julien made a sensible but fast start and I was able to maintain that approach throughout my stint without any issues. It feels very satisfying to win on my return and I am confident of another strong performance at the next round as we attempt to wrap up the WEC title for Larbre Competition.”
Fiona Miller (quotes from Larbre team release)
Photo: OYAMA-CHO (SHIZUOKA PREFECTURE, JAPAN), FUJI INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY, 6 HOURS OF FUJI, SUNDAY 14TH OCTOBER 2012, RACE.
