Harry Tincknell missed out on a podium at the 6 Hours of Nürburgring after a promising race which saw the Ford GT that he shares with Andy Priaulx and Marino Franchitti running in a comfortable second place in the early stages of the race.
Starting from the third row of the GTE Pro grid, the British driver was in the midst of a four car battle for second place; As the race passed the 50 minute mark Tincknell made his move to take fourth place and just passed the hour brought the Ford GT in for a scheduled pit-stop in second place.
Tincknell jumped out of the car and made way for Priaulx as the team got ready to refuel and change tyres, unfortunately a stuck fuel valve saw a fuel spillage followed by a flash fire which engulfed the side for the car. Priaulx jumped out as the blazed was brought under control but the team lost time as they checked over the damage, 23 minutes later the car headed back out on track in seventh place. Another 12 minute pitstop to fix a misfire issue after two hours meant that any time made up was lost.
“The fire was unfortunate but that can be motor racing but after Le Mans and now here at the Nürburgring, hopefully our car’s luck will change soon” said Tincknell.
Andy Priaulx and Harry Tincknell – Credit: Drew Gibson
Despite the problems Tincknell would get back behind the wheel for a second stint and set the second fastest time of the GTE Pro Class, just four thousandths of a second slower than the quickest time.
“I couldn’t be happier with my pace this weekend. My times were fast and consistent while my race craft was right up there against some of the best GT drivers in the world – this was only my fourth GTE race after all. I was pleased with my overtaking during my first stint – especially the one on [Gianmaria] Bruni. Going into Turn 1, he half defended so I stayed on my normal line before diving through on the inside to pass him. This is still only my fifth ever GT race so it was satisfying to pass the guy that many people say is the fastest GT racer out there.
The Brit remains hopeful for the rest of the season as the series heads away from Europe and on to Mexico in September.
“I think we’re looking very competitive for the remainder of the WEC season – especially on the high speed tracks. It’s easy to forget this was only the Ford GT’s fourth WEC race. The tight, twisty corners at the Nürburgring weren’t ideal for our car but we are making progress with every lap, learning about the Ford.
“Qualifying the previous day ultimately proved disappointing as I was on pole until the very last lap but was shuffled down to fifth as the track dried with every lap. Andy started qualifying but we didn’t have time to put him back in for the final few laps which would almost definitely have improved our average lap time that sets grid positions.”
