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Donington Park ELMS

14/04/2001

Friday

Morning

Yes, it is Friday today. Apologies for getting the days all wrong yesterday. Editorial brain trouble.

Before the ELMS track action begins, a quick review of what has happened so far, plus details of the final entry.

One significant change in the list of times released yesterday was the best lap credited to the Chrysler LMP. It was listed fourth on a 1:24.199, but the team recorded a much better lap on Olivier Beretta’s final tour, after the flag had been waved at 16.00, but before he crossed the line for the last time. His final lap was a 1:22.681, an improvement of over a second and a half and enough to take the car to within a second of the Audis. That is significant. Oreca’s role at Le Mans (and here perhaps) will be to keep the R8s (and the Bentleys) honest.

Neither Ascari ran yesterday, but both are being readied to go out this morning. Patrick Lemarie, Klaas Zwart and Harri Toivonen will drive the second car, the newer one that is destined for Le Mans; it is fitted with a single roll hoop, which could be worth 5kph on top speed.

Courage were in turbo trouble yesterday; one was changed during the session, but the engine was still down on power – later traced to a fault with the other one. Jean-Christophe Boullion is expecting to “struggle a little round here because we are in low downforce trim, and we have slight understeer.” The team will be back to a full roll hoop for Monza on April 22.

The RML Saleen made its first appearance in public yesterday, but the alternator failed and the team completed the session on battery power only. The team are creating a seat for Bruno Lambert as this is written. Ian McKellar will be racing here tomorrow, then at Snetterton on Sunday, in the Marcos Mantara he drove so well in the first Privilege round two weeks ago. He’s very happy with life.

Dick Barbour Racing have only one of their new Reynards present; the second car is still a week or two away from completion. Their only problem shaking it down on Monday was an oil fitting coming loose. The new Judd revs to 11 000 and produces a reputed 500+ bhp. These cars could be the future of LMP 675.

PK Sport had an eventful Thursday, with #60 particularly. A new clutch proved unwilling to engage, thanks to a machining fault. No time for this one, for Mike Youles and Robin Liddell – who are seen getting ready for this morning’s action.

No sign of the second Pilbeam, while the ROC-VW was known not to be coming. This morning’s free practice session is just getting underway. 26 cars altogether.