Hard work goes unrewarded at Silverstone
Proton Competition travelled to United Kingdom with high hopes for their first European Le Mans Series race on British soil in six years, entering three cars in three classes for the 4 Hours of Silverstone (14 September). Alongside a strong fifth position in the LMGT3 class, the team also had a number of setbacks to contend with.
Qualifying demonstrated that Christian and Michael Ried’s squad definitely had the pace in the LMP2 and LMP2 Pro-Am categories, with the #9 Oreca 07 of Jonas Ried, Macéo Capietto and Matteo Cairoli second-fastest in the session, which secured the trio a front-row start. In LMP2 Pro-Am, the #77 Oreca 07 of Giorgio Roda, René Binder and Bent Viscaal also qualified on the front row, starting the race from second on the grid.
On race day, rain and stormy weather was a constant threat and led to conditions at the home of British motorsport becoming extremely difficult. Navigating the conditions excellently was the #60 Porsche 911 GT3 R of Matteo Cressoni, Horst Felbermayr and Horst Felix Felbermayr in the LMGT3 category. The trio put together a strong performance to remain well in contention for a podium into the closing stages. In the end, they crossed the line in a solid fifth position.
“It was a really tough race,” said Cressoni. “With new teammates and the conditions out on track, it certainly wasn’t easy. Unfortunately, we had the red flag at the end when we were the quickest car on the track, but overall we cannot complain. The team did a fantastic job and we are really happy with fifth position.”
Up at the head of the field in the LMP2 category, the #9 Oreca 07 made a great start to the race, maintaining contact with the leaders over the course of the opening stints. The trio held a strong position heading into the final before an off-track moment saw the car lose a number of positions, ultimately crossing the line in seventh place.
For the #77, the outcome of the fifth round of the season was even more bitter. Giorgio Roda had also begun well and kept a cool head while others around him lost theirs. However, he was hit by another car heading down the long back straight and was forced to retire. Fortunately, the Italian emerged from the shunt uninjured.
For the final round of the European Le Mans Series, Proton Competition will be travelling to Portimão in Portugal on the weekend of 16 to 18 October.
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Copyright: Proton Competition (Paola Depalmas)
