The Circuit Paul Ricard 1000 kms. is one of the most awaited races of the Blancpain GT Series season. We spoke to some of the drivers and team bosses on this unique 6-hour race.
Dries Vanthoor (#1 Belgian Audi Club Team WRT R8): “This will be my first experience in a 6-hour race and only the third time I will be racing at night, definitely a good preparation ahead of Spa. It is also my first time at the Ricard, so there will be a lot of things to discover, but I feel extremely confident, given the support I am receiving from my team mates and the entire team. We know that some of our competitors will be very fast there, so we will have to be on a permanent ‘full attack’ mode.”
Sean Walkinshaw (#22 Nissan GT Academy Team RJN GT-R): “It’s going to be great having double the time in the car and the night-time aspect of the race is going to be good preparation for the Total 24 Hours of Spa next month too. I think we should be competitive at Ricard, another points finish – preferably higher than Silverstone – is the aim.”
Igor Salaquarda, I.S.R. Team Principal: "The round at Paul Ricard is going to be quite special and will be a crucial step for us ahead of the Total 24 Hours of Spa next July. Racing at dusk and at night will be quite tricky, but we cannot wait to challenge our rivals also in these conditions. Weather should stay dry, with summer temperatures during the day and a 10 degrees temperature drop during the night. This is something to take into account while determining the tyres management strategy, as it could be the key to a good result."
David Bartrum, Oman Racing Team Principal: "Paul Ricard is one of my all-time favourite places to go and visit. I love the place. It’s a fantastic facility and a circuit that’s unrivalled in this Championship. Ahmad, Jonny and Devon have done a sterling job so far this season, getting a fourth place in Monza and then following up with our first Blancpain podium at Silverstone was very special for the team so we’re heading to France looking for more of the same. The next two events are massively important to us and our championship aspirations. With so many points at stake we need to stay in the fight and we need to get these next two events right. The drivers are definitely up for it and so is the team."
Hans-Peter Naundorf, ROWE RACING Team Principal: "The 6-hour race in Le Castellet is unique with the racetrack being located right in a holiday region in the Mediterranean and the usually high summer temperatures. On the other hand, there is the fact that we drive into the night. On top of this, the cars will be placed under extreme stress by the high temperatures, and the wind that can be strong at times can be a factor. Finding the right set-up for this is the challenge – and the perfect preparation for Spa. Since a car that does well in Le Castellet usually also does well in Spa."
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Provisional Timetable
Friday 24 June
10:00 - 11:00 Bronze Test
14:10 - 15:40 Free Practice
17:05 - 18:35 Pre-Qualifying Session
Saturday 25 June
09:45 - 10:45 Qualifying
18:00 – 00:00 Race (live TV)
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Information & tickets : http://www.blancpain-gt-series.com/tickets
Press Images : www.blancpain-GT-series/pressmembers
Watch live : http://www.blancpain-gt-series.com/live
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