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SUCCESS FOR GULF ON ALL FRONTS AT THE 8 HOURS OF LE CASTELLET
The opening round of the 2010 Le Mans Series (LMS) has provided Gulf with another truly memorable weekend. The Gulf-sponsored 009 Aston Martin Racing LMP1 prototype was once again the class of the petrol engined cars and came home as runner-up to the factory Audi diesel racer, thus continuing the sensational run of LMS podium finishes that started a year ago.
There was more success for Gulf as the number 49 Formula Le Mans (FLM) car of the Applewood Seven team took a fine victory in the FLM category.
Gulf AMR drivers Adrian Fernández (MX), Stefan Mücke (DE) and Harold Primat (CH) drove competitively throughout. The Aston Martin V12-powered LMP1 was consistently the fastest non-diesel on the circuit and completed 261 laps - and therefore 1,511 km - in the eight hours.
Early in the race, Stefan Mücke was forced into the pits due to a puncture but second place was held for the remaining six hours.
Stefan was clearly happy with his weekend’s work. “I had a clear second stint, we just had to change the front left tyre during the pit stop where there was a flat spot from braking. My lap times were good and it is useful preparation for Le Mans as the setup is similar.”
40 minutes before the chequered flag, another puncture brought Adrian Fernandez back into the pits for a tyre change, but the 009 had a concrete lead over third position.
“I had a good final stint, but suffered a vibration at the back of the car towards the end, but we took advantage of the gap we had built up during the race, so it didn’t pose a problem,” explained Adrian Fernandez. “The crew were brilliant and I have great team mates in Harold and Stefan. It’s a whole joint effort so it‘s nice to get these results.”
“I didn’t experience any issues in my stint. I’m pleased with my lap times as we were able to increase the gap between us and the third placed car. Stefan and Adrian did a great job too,” enthused Harold Primat. “This helps us prepare for Le Mans by getting the reliability in the car and the team have done a great job with very few issues.”
Gulf also made a small piece of motorsport history at the race, as a Gulf-liveried car became the inaugural Formula Le Mans winner in a full LMS race. In an exciting finish the Applewood Seven FLM car crewed by David Zollinger, Damien Toulemonde and Ross Zampatti took victory by a mere seventeen seconds at the end of the eight hours. The team also had the satisfaction of setting the fastest FLM lap during the race in what was an excellent performance over the event as a whole.
Gulf Oil International Brand and Marketing Manager, Sam Cork sums up the weekend. “Aston Martin Racing’s performance was simply superb and the result was fully justified. With a strong Gulf presence at the circuit and the bonus of a win in the Formula Le Mans category we really have something to celebrate. Many congratulations to everyone who helped make it such an excellent weekend for Gulf.”
The High Tech Test Track at Paul Ricard has provided AMR with a good indication as to how the car will perform at Le Mans and the crew will be flying directly to California to contest the next race in the American Le Mans Series: Long Beach next weekend on Saturday 17 April 2010.
Posted on 12/04/2010 by Colm Hamrogue