Strakka Racing’s Jonny Kane and Lewis Williamson continued the team’s improved performance in the World Endurance Championship after achieving a second consecutive third place qualifying in Mexico. After a strong lap from Jonny Kane in the dying moments of the session, Strakka’s Gibson 015S leapt into the top three with a combined average time of 1:36.037. With the altitude of 2285m sapping power by up to 25 percent, together with associated losses in braking performance and downforce, the team’s debut at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez has thrown up challenges for the drivers and team alike.

“It’s been an engineering challenge to get the car set up but the guys have really worked hard over the past few days to dial the car in so that it can perform here,” says team principal Dan Walmsley. “It’s going to be a tough race and I think we are going to see the Gibson running nearer to the limit on brakes. It’s going to be a more unpredictable race for sure; we’ve seen a few cars go off in qualifying and the weather is very changeable and unsettled. Strakka has got a good chance to get our first podium of 2016.”

Williamson, driving the Gibson 015S for the second time this year is relishing the challenge of the Mexican track. “Grip levels are generally low and it’s going to be busy dealing with the traffic,” says Williamson. “We aren’t the quickest through the speed traps and passing cars will not be straightforward. It’s going to be a tricky balance between pushing and staying clear of the walls but with the opportunity to get a good result. I can see we could get a strong finish.”

Kane will start the 42 car and together with Williamson will be joined by Nick Leventis with the race starting at 1930 UK time (1330 local time).