Last sunday, Team Falken took delivery of a new weapon at its shops in Fontana. A brand new 997 GT3-RSR 2010 with which the Californian team hopes to shine in the American Le Mans Series. Team Manager Rob Everett answered our questions and tells us more about this ambitious project including the possibility of having a second Porsche in GT2 and his desire to contest the 24 Hours of Le Mans.  On the drivers’ side, we’ll still have to wait to find out the future teammate to Bryan Sellers.

In 2009, Team Falken raced three times in ALMS. What is your assessment ?
« These events gave us what we needed technically as well as for marketing. By the third race we new exactly what we need to improve on in respect to Tire & Team development. It was an exercise for us to gain knowledge and expertise in many different aspects, including relationships with our technical partners. »

What are the satisfactions ? The “deceptions” ?
« We have very competitive & experianced Drivers that performed our Tire development as well as Chassis. Engineering departments across the board are working in unisyn between Tire & Chassis parity. More testing is always beneficial. We would like to continue with other track surfaces. Our challenge will be keeping our confidence in check with the reality of the competition. »

About the team, what are its qualities ?
« We have many years of experience in many different forms of Motorsport that give us an advantage. We do not think like your typical GT competitor. We have one common goal with our partners and with a very honest & open relationship. There are no hidden agendas. »

Looking back, racing three times, on three very different tracks : was it the good decision to prepare 2010 ?
« Yes it was. We also tested on again, very different track surfaces as well, which keeps in line with our strategy moving forward into this new season. »

Team Falken has bought a new Porsche. What are the reasons for this choice ?
« Porsche is an extremely competitive Racing car and Company. We choose this because of the high level of engineering and stability that comes with Porsche. It is the most effective plateform for us to develop our Tires and partnerships from. The 2010 RSR is much better balanced and competitive. This car meets all the current ACO rules as well.The 2008 RSR served its purpose for baseline development. »

2009 was a learning season. What will be the goal in 2010 ?
« We have several Corporate goals that I can not reveal at this time. Of course, the cliche is, we are going to win races. The reality is we will continue to build on our experiences and with proper strategies and preparation, we expect to be on the podium more than once. We have an outstanding group of professionals that have and can get the job done in every aspect of this program which will let us see success soon and often. »

Now you have two cars. Is it possible to see these two cars in racing ? Or the “old” car will be used only for testing ?
« Much of the second car program is dependant on rule changes from IMSA. We do look forward to having this car as another tool for success. Again, there are plans for this car however, I can not go into details at this time. IMSA has indicated to us that the 2008 car may receive some consideration to be more competitive this year. If this is not the case, we will re-consider our strategy with that car for races vs. a test / back-up car. »

In addition to ALMS, will you ask an entry for the Le Mans 24 Hours ?
« We have no plans to compete in Le Mans 24 this year however, we look forward to this in the future. If we could win Sebring 12 hour race, this decision and strategy could change a bit. »

About the future, what are the plans ? Stay in GT?
« We have no interest in Prototype car competition. We will stay in GT. Again, Mr. Richter can explain this to you in more detail as this is more of a Marketing concept. »

Rainier Ehrhardt (with Anthony Megevand)