New chassis makes trouble-free debut at German round of World Endurance Championship

Strakka Racing underlined the pace of its latest Gibson 015S chassis to post third fastest time overall in LMP2 and an average qualifying time of 1:48.250, putting them sixth for tomorrow’s Nürburgring Six Hours race. Jonny Kane, who secured the fastest time in the LMP2 class in the morning’s free practice session, together with team mate Nick Leventis, debuted the freshly-completed LMP2 car that will replace the team’s S103 chassis for the remainder of the FIA WEC season.

“The car has been very quick and it’s a mark of how far we have come in a short space of time that we are a little disappointed to have only posted third fastest time in qualifying on what is only our debut in the car,” says Jonny Kane. “The changes we made ahead of qualifying didn’t improve the balance, leaving us a little further back than we wanted. It’s all part of learning this new car and we’re confident that we will have good pace for the race.”

The first weekend with the Gibson has highlighted further benefits that Strakka Racings expects to bring a useful advantage in tomorrow’s race. “This car is seemingly kinder on the used tyres, maintaining grip deeper into the stint,” adds team principal Dan Walmsley. “Coupled with the reliability, improved user-friendliness and despite very little running with the car, we think we can challenge the front runners all the way to the finish.”