NewBlood by Morand Racing say they are ready to start the 2014 European Le Mans Series are proving the pace and reliability of their Morgan-Judd during the series’ official test at Paul Ricard.
The team, who will run Austrian Christian Klien, Swiss Gary Hirsch and Frenchman Romain Brandela in 2014, completed 900 kilometres of running during the two day test, with Klien setting the fastest time in the first session on Tuesday, staying in the top five for the entire test.
“During these two days at Le Castellet, Christian worked on a predetermined schedule,” explains Team Owner Benoit Morand. “He had to work on a set-up for Silverstone and on a qualifying set-up, and all of the above was completed. Gary specifically worked on race set-up, whilst Romain’s goal was to gain experience and confidence with the car.”
“We worked very much on the set-up with a great amount of time on the race track, and we also showed good speed during these two days,” said Klien. “We worked with a reliable car, and so it was during the test session at Magny-Cours.
“The Morgan fits me very well, so it does for Gary and Romain, and this is the most important thing. I knew their reputation and we are getting along very well. The three of us work together very well and this is essential.”
The team’s Bronze-rated driver, Brandela, said: “I see myself as the gentleman with two professional drivers; Christian and Gary are helping me to feel comfortable with the car. This is my second experience in an LMP2, so my main goal was to complete as many laps as possible to get familiarized with the car.
“The Morgan has a good balance and is a very nice car to drive, with great technology. The whole crew looks like a family; the atmosphere is great but very professional.”
The 2014 ELMS season starts at Silverstone on April 19 alongside the FIA World Endurance Championship.