As the FIA World Endurance Championship enters its final third of the 2016 season, Extreme Speed Motorsports has recently made big changes within its two car team. Last month, the team announced the No. 30 Ligier of Scott Sharp, Ed Brown, and Johannes van Overbeek would be leased to JAGONYA AYAM, KFC’s Indonesian branch, for the remainder of the year, starting with this weekend’s 6 Hours of Fuji.
Jagonya Ayam previously expressed interest in the P2 program, and when Extreme Speed Motorsports announced its 2017 return to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with Tequila Patrón, the timing was perfect. Giedo Van der Garde, Sean Gelael, and Antonio Giovinazzi will take over the driving duties for the No. 30 Jagonya Ayam ESM Ligier, and will be supported by the same crew that has been on the car all season.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Sean, Antonio and Giedo to ESM,” said ESM Team Owner Scott Sharp. “All three bring strong experience and pace to the P2 field! I expect them to give a strong boost to the team and challenge for a great result!”
While each driver in the new trio may be visiting Fuji for the first time, the lineup will be a podium contender alongside the No. 31 Tequila Patrón ESM Ligier of Ryan Dalziel, Pipo Derani and Chris Cumming.
Located in the foothills of Mount Fuji, Fuji Speedway boasts 16 turns in 2.835 miles and one of the longest straights in the 2016 track line up. While the event usually suffers all types of weather, this weekend’s event looks cloudy with cool temperatures, with the possibility of rain on race day. The race will stream live on Saturday, October 15 at 10:00PM Eastern at live.fiawec.com.
Quotes
Sean Gelael
I’ve never been in Japan before but the atmosphere looks amazing. The fans are incredible and I’m sure they will come to watch the race and support us. I’ve never drove in Fuji though but it’s a track I like a lot so I’m looking forward to jumping into the car. I’m confident we can provide a strong result.
Giedo Van der Garde
I love Japan; the fans are amazing, the food is wonderful as well. On Twitter, I’ve already seen custom made ‘Giedo’ flags. It’s very motivating and thoughtful! I’ve never driven at Fuji before though, so that will be a challenge I’m looking forward to.
Antonio Giovinazzi
This will be the first time I have driven in Fuji as well but it’s a legendary track. The support of the fans is really important because you feel so welcome, and that motivates us. The car is competitive and we are a strong team. I’m sure it will be a great race and I hope to be on the podium on Sunday.