Besides their usual programme in the Porsche Carrera Cup France, the Sébastien Loeb Racing was taking part in a new round of the Porsche Supercup last weekend. After Barcelona, earlier this season, and before Monza in a couple of weeks, Joffrey de Narda and Roar Lindland pitted against the best international drivers on the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. Sébastien Loeb also took part for the occasion. Throughout the weekend, the three men moved up in the rankings, showing determination and strength during the races. An enriching experience on many levels.
Weekend report.
As the reference amongst all Porsche cups, the Porsche Supercup gathers talented drivers and true experts. Therefore, with a layout as demanding as Spa’s, the Sébastien Loeb Racing approached their weekend in Belgium with much humility. Joffrey de Narda, Roar Lindland and Sébastien Loeb conducted studious practice sessions and, after having found their bearings, a necessary step, the three drivers quickly focused on the car’s racing setup. However, the qualifying was not going to meet the team’s expectations. With someone in his way during his best lap, Joffrey had to make do with a 13th place though the Top 10 definitely stood within his reach. Having not been on board of the 911 GT3 Cup for a while, Sébastien started from the 10th row, while Roar, who is used to compete in the B-class in France, started from the 13th row.
During Race 1, the trio made the most of the right setup choice and did catch up well. Joffrey managed to enter the Top 10 and had one of the best paces. Sébastien kept on overtaking and moved up seven rows, relying on a good cadence too. As to Roar, after being pushed out by another contender, he came back to the track again at the end of the pack and finally ranked 24th after having attacked many times.
The following day, Joffrey lost two places after having been pushed at the end of the safety car period. He did not give up and went from the 17th to the 13th place. While Sébastien was forced to surrender (clutch), Roar performed a spectacular catching up, going from the 26th to the 17th row.
What they’ve said.
Joffrey de Narda, 10th and 13th : “I think there’re a lot of positive things overall. I didn’t find any clear lap during the qualifying and that impacted the final results. That said, I did catch up very well during the race and I fought against top-level drivers. My goal was to end both races, which are often quite lively and turbulent, as well as to achieve a Top 10. I made it. Once again I’ve learnt a lot. A lot of experience can be acquired in this type of events where you have to be constantly fully present. It was very interesting to work with Sébastien, we’ve exchanged a lot. It’s motivating for the rest of the season.”
Roar Lindland, 24th and 17th : “It’s not easy to enter the Supercup as a guest. You have to get used to the format of the whole event, during the practice and qualifying sessions, pitting against regular competitors. That had an impact on our result in the qualifying and consequently on the final result. But I have to say that Spa was a good weekend and I would even say an excellent week overall. It’s obviously fantastic to work with Sébastien. Technically speaking, the team did a very good job.
“We had a great car, probably one of the best I’ve ever got since we’ve been participating in the Supercup. I’ve been pushed in Race 1 but I managed to catch up. I’ve also been able to move up several places in Race 2 thanks to the way the car behaved. Considering the number of contenders and the competitiveness, I was aiming for the Top 20. Mission accomplished with a 17th place. It’s an interesting result given the high level of competition. It’s promising for future competitions in France or as part of the Supercup. We’ve learnt a lot and we’ve improved. That’s what’s most important to me.”
Sébastien Loeb, 13th and DNF : “I had a difficult weekend. I didn’t get enough time to find my bearings in this championship where everybody is well-trained and in top condition, and it was one of the most difficult tracks. My qualifying sessions weren’t amazing and they did affect the rest of the weekend. The first race was quite good, I did catch up, from the 20th to the 13th place, with some great passings and a good pace. It was interesting to fight as a pack. The second race was interrupted prematurely because of the clutch. I keep in mind the team’s great job, they’ve managed to improve the car’s performances throughout the weekend. Now, let’s head to Magny-Cours.”
Indeed, the Sébastien Loeb Racing will be on all fronts in La Nièvre, competing in the FFSA French GT Championship, the Porsche Carrera Cup France and the French Supertouring Championship!