Following the team’s encouraging performance at the Le Mans Test Day on June 3, its Lola-Judd B12/80 Coupe passed the scrutineering and administrative checks that took place on Monday this week.
Dutchman Yelmer Buurman and Briton Alexander Sims, both of whom are Le Mans 24 Hours rookies, will share the car with Frenchman Romain Iannetta, who during his career has competed four times in the big race.
Both Buurman and Iannetta arrive at the circuit fresh from victorious race weekends: Buurman took FIA GT1 World Championship victory and the series lead at the Slovakia Ring on Sunday; Iannetta claimed a win in the Euro-RaceCar NASCAR Touring Series at Spa-Francorchamps.
Status GP technical director Rob Arnott, a veteran of seven runnings of the Le Mans 24 Hours, said: “We’ve been working very hard since the Test Day. Seven of us have been here since then, working from 9am to 9pm to get it right. We’ve been making sure all the systems and complex equipment on the car are functioning 100 per cent.
“Today’s practice and the start of qualifying are going to be more like a game of chess than a conventional motor race. The strategy and planning of fuel and tyres over 24 hours is extremely complicated – and very satisfying when you get it right. That’s all part of the appeal and excitement of appearing in the world’s biggest motorsporting event.”
Free practice for the Le Mans 24 Hours starts on Wednesday June 13th at 1600, with qualifying at 2200. There is more qualifying on Thursday June 14th, with the race starting on the afternoon of Saturday 16th June.
Yelmer Buurman:
“Le Mans is a race you always look at with the excitement of a small kid! It’s an event you always want to do. I’ve had a lot of success in single-seater racing and this is the perfect time for my debut at the race. Testing was good, and even though this is the first time for Status GP we have good experience throughout the team.”
Romain Iannetta:
“I just need some more laps with the car today to build my experience with the Lola. The team is good, the car is good and my team-mates are good, so I’m very much looking forward to it. I have been here four times, so I have been giving advice on tips to the guys, using the benefit of my experience to avoid mistakes.”
Alexander Sims:
“This is a step into the unknown for me, and getting some night practice today will be very beneficial. I’ve driven a GT car at night, but I was the only one on the circuit. Now I have to learn how to deal with all the headlights, and spray if it rains. I’ve got every confidence in the pace of the car, and even with our lack of experience we should be in the mix.”
Source : Status Grand Prix