Continuing an excellent start to his 2016 season, Pipo Derani took a starring role in a fine second place finish in today’s 6 Hours of Silverstone.
The 22 year-old started and finished the race, again delievering exceptional stints in the Tequila Patrón ESM Ligier JS P2-Nissan. Derani’s drive helped to ensure the No.31 car he shares with teammates Ryan Dalziel and Chris Cumming fought back from earlier difficulties.
Starting from second position on the grid, Derani made a brillant start and immediately took the lead on the opening lap by overtaking leader Nicolas Minassian.
Derani soon started to produce a scorching pace and set the fastest LMP2 lap of the race at 1m48.909s early in his stint, before handing the car over to Cumming, as the team worked on its pre-planned strategy.
The middle portion of the race wasn’t kind to the No.31 Tequila Patrón ESM after time was unfortunately lost under the Full Course Yellow system and also after a quick spin for Cumming.
Still, there was plenty of pace to come from the Tequila Patrón ESM Ligier-Nissan, as first Ryan Dalziel and then Derani fought back and put the car back in to contention.
For Derani, the last portion of the race saw him complete an impressive triple stint as he ensured several positions were made and a final placing of second was confirmed at the chequered flag.
“It is a good way to start the year for us,” said Derani. “It was a tough race but we know there is much more to come from Spa onwards. Ryan, Chris and myself have actually had very little track time together as a squad, so to come away with 18 points is satisfying.”
“I was aggressive in my opening stint and built up a gap which was all part of our startegy plan,” continued Derani. “The competition is very tough this year so I think that we can all be proud of this result and then push on again for Spa next month.”
“The Tequila Patrón ESM team was again excellent and I have to thank everyone for their efforts this weekend. The combination of the Tequila Patrón ESM guys and Oak Racing under Philippe’s management has proved to be a very effective partnership.”
The next round of the FIA World Endurance Championship will take place at the famous Spa-Francorchamps circuit on May 7.