The 82nd running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship is nearly underway (14/15 June 2014) and it’s an important event for the Ram Racing team which will make its debut in the world’s most prestigious international sports car event.

Acknowledged as the toughest test for both man and machine, the Circuit des 24 Heures is a mixture of closed public roads and purpose-built motor racing circuit, and is without doubt the most gruelling race for any driver or team.

In the two LMGTE classes Ram Racing will field a pair of Ferrari 458 Italia entries, one in each category. The No.52 Pro car will be in the fast and capable hands of regular team drivers Matt Griffin, Alvaro Parente, and rookie Federico Leo, whilst the No.53 Am sister car will be piloted by the experienced Johnny Mowlem, Mark Patterson and new recruit Archie Hamilton.

Matt Griffin: “The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the biggest race in the world. It is also the most difficult race. While Ram Racing is a fairly new team they have a huge amount of experience and talent within the team and they know what it takes to be successful. We had a very positive test at Le Mans last Sunday. We were fast all day and got a lot done in terms of working towards our race strategy. We ended the day third in the GTE Pro class, which was encouraging. I finished third last year so I am hopeful of a similar result but, as with all endurance races, the first goal is to finish.”

Alvaro Parente: “The 24 Hours of Le Mans will be a very special race for Ram Racing and for me. We had a positive test so we are all looking forward to what the world’s most exciting event will bring.”

Federico Leo “We had a very positive test where we all worked well and formed a plan. The team are doing a great job and I am really looking forward to joining them at Le Mans. It will be a fantastic event and one that any driver would be proud to be involved in.”
 
Archie Hamilton: “We had a successful Le Mans test. It was very productive and our pace was good. We managed to work through a number of different set-ups and also focus on race runs. I feel right at home with Ram Racing, and I have every faith that we can all achieve a good result.”
 
Mark Patterson: “I missed the test weekend unfortunately due to a Silverstone race conflict, so I couldn’t be keener to get back into the Ram Ferrari on this unique track. The team was very satisfied with the progress made and I’m looking forward to making the best “Am” contribution possible for the team.”
 
Johnny Mowlem: “I’m delighted to be taking part in my 10th Le Mans. I am even more proud to be returning as ELMS Champion with Ram Racing. Le Mans is always a very special event. It’s tough and very challenging. It never gets any easier but that’s what makes it so special.”

The 24 Hours of Le Mans will begin on Saturday, June 14th at 3.00 pm around the 8-mile Le Mans street course in France, and end at 3.00 pm on Sunday. Official practice/qualifying takes place on Wednesday, June 11th and Thursday, June 12th, starting at 4.00pm on Wednesday.