LMP2 squad Strakka Racing are looking forward to their return to the iconic Le Mans endurance classic after trouble-free runs in all Free Practice and Qualifying Sessions leading up to the start on Saturday at the Circuit de la Sarthe.
The Northamptonshire-based team have returned to the competitive LMP2 class in this year’s FIA World Endurance Championship, armed with a brand new Nissan-powered DOME S103 LMP2 prototype, in which they spent last year fine tuning and testing the car for their return to top flight endurance racing. Nick Leventis, Danny Watts and Jonny Kane complete the team’s driver lineup and after qualifying with penalties applied, Strakka Racing will lineup in 27th position overall and 13th in class despite constant fine-tuning and a lack of outright pace to challenge the frontrunners.
“We have come safely through qualifying with no dramas or issues, exactly what we wanted ahead of a 24 hour race,” says technical director Jay Davenport. “Being closer to the front runners would have been our preference but we are experienced enough to know that Le Mans is a long race and a trouble-free and reliable run is what’s needed for a strong finish on Sunday. To date the car has demonstrated that it can do just that.”
Danny Watts, who makes his seventh Le Mans start this weekend, is optimistic of the team’s chances.
“I got more seat time tonight, having not done the mandatory number of laps yesterday, the changes we made improved the car as the session progressed. There’s more work to do for sure to be the head of P2 but it’s a long time until 3pm Sunday!”
Nick Leventis is well aware of the challenge ahead, with the squad up against 18 other LMP2 cars.
“With such a large field, it’s going to be a competitive and hard fought category. It’s good to be back after missing last year and we hope we can reward the fans, friends and team that continue support us so passionately with a result on Sunday.”
