FIA WEC

G-Drive ‘disappointed’ with LMP2 podium finish at Silverstone

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G-Drive Racing secured a podium finish in the competitive LMP2 class during the Six Hours of Silverstone on Sunday, but team boss Gary Holland admitted the team were ultimately disappointed with the outcome.

The team had been in contention for class honours for much of the six-hour race, but a few issues compromised their afternoon, including technical issues early in the race and contact with a LMGTE driver that necessitated a trip to the pits.

The trio of Rene Rast, Roman Rusinov and Nathanael Berthon worked well together to bring the car to the podium, but Holland’s revelation that the team were disappointed with the result shows just how much they want to win.

“We are a bit disappointed with third place which is a good measure of our expectation as a team,” said Holland.

“But its race one and it is a long season and the 16 points are a solid start so actually we shouldn’t be too disappointed. All three drivers performed brilliantly under the circumstances and I’m proud of the team.”

Rast’s double stint at the end of the race ensure the podium finish, catching and passing the #36 Signatech Alpine, but was unable to progress any further, although he ended up only nine seconds adrift of second place.

“I had to stop on the track when the engine shutdown and I couldn’t actually talk to the team because they were counting down to the green flag!” said Rast of his problems around the start of the third hour when he was forced to stop on track.

“We lost about 30-seconds there which was a shame. But on the whole I was happy with the pace and I had fun. It was the first time for the team with the car and we made some big steps from the test. We’ll keep improving and I am sure we will be really strong at Spa.”

Team-mate Rusinov took the car for the first stint, and admitted he was forced to manage his tyres from an early stage, but felt it was a good weekend for the team at Silverstone to collect the podium finish.

“I knew from the start I had to manage the tyres, so I didn’t take any risks,” said Rusinov. “The balance of the car was great and I was able to get in to the lead before handing over to Rene.

“The G-Drive Racing team did a really good job this weekend. We got some useful points, so I think we have a lot to look forward to this season.”

Third driver Berthon was at the wheel when he was struck by the errant Aston Martin LMGTE driver that forced an additional pit stop for repairs, and believes the team can look forward to Spa-Francorchamps next month with one eye on challenging for victory.

“To be honest there is some disappointment after the contact with the GT car,” said Berthon. “It was an Aston Martin and it was at the beginning of the first stint, the traffic was terrible out there at that stage.

“I did my best but I know there is much more to come from me. The team did a really nice job since the Prologue test and I think at Spa we can really challenge for the win.”

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