Gulf Racing UK’s No.9 McLaren MP4-12C GT3 recorded its highest ever finish in the 2012 Blancpain Endurance Series at the HTTT Paul Ricard track in the South of France today but it was a bitter-sweet result as the No.69 was unable to take the chequered flag after suffering fuel starvation issues and a puncture just 12 minutes before the end.
Mike Wainwright and Rob Bell were unlucky to finish just outside the top 20 in the 54-strong field, but their 21st place finish was an excellent result considering their starting position of 47th. Suffering from boost pressure problems in qualifying, which left them severely down on power, Rob was frustrated to have not been able to replicate the quick pace and strong performance shown in practice and pre-qualifying.
After days of sunny weather and temperatures of around 30oC, a heavy rain shower (wet weather has dogged the Blancpain Endurance Series to date) appeared just as the cars were on their way to the grid which caused some consternation amongst the competitors. However, as quickly as it came, it dried.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne-born McLaren GT factory driver Bell made a fantastic start and charged through more than three quarters of the field to reach sixth place in the ever-competitive field during his one-hour stint. His decisive and assertive drive set the Gulf Racing UK team up for their highest place finish, and the No.9 was the third highest placed finisher of the 12 McLarens entered.
British driver, Mike Wainwright, who completed a double stint in the No.9 Gulf Oil International liveried McLaren MP4-12C GT3, ran consistently well within the top 20 until a few drops of rain appeared again and the Geneva-based businessman took a conservative approach: “It started to rain a little and next lap round it was definitely more slippery on the kerbs. There was so much pick-up off line and I didn’t want to throw away a solid finish so I slowed a bit and we dropped back a few places. Before then we had a very good run, although it was very hot doing two hours in the car, and we had some good, consistent lap times. It was a shame about our qually and the few little niggles we had before the race, but Rob made up loads of places and showed what was possible.”
Roald Goethe and Stuart Hall had an equally consistent run in the No.69, having started from 39th on the grid, and were holding a steady position within the top 30 until the final 15 minutes of the race. Unfortunately the car suffered from a left front puncture just 12 minutes before the end of the race which left German-born Roald stranded on track. “It looks like one of the fuel pumps wasn’t working, and the engine started cutting in the right handers although we know we had plenty of fuel. I was trying to stay out of trouble to get back to the pits, but in doing so had contact with another car and got a puncture. The tyre jumped off the rim so it was impossible to go any further which was a shame as up till then it had been a good race experience and a good weekend.”
The team’s next race will be the Spa 24 Hours on 28/29th July in Belgium.
Source : Gulf Racing UK