Le Mans Series

Essex Invest factory Zytek claims first LMES victory

The Essex Invest factory Zytek Team fulfilled its potential at the Spa Francorchamps circuit in Belgium this weekend, taking overall victory a comfortable lap ahead of its nearest rival. The Zytek 04S and its drivers avoided the accidents and mechanical problems that have beset them on previous occasions and ran a tactical race that saw them with enough of a lead in the final few minutes for a quick refuelling stop in the pits before a sprint to the line.

© Zytek

Racing in damp conditions and with low visibility, the Zytek driving partnership of John Nielsen, Casper Elgaard and Hayanari Shimoda began the race on intermediate tyres, a gamble that paid off during the first third of the race as drying track conditions allowed them to gain time on competitors who had elected to run on wet weather rubber.

“The car performed superbly,” says Zytek team boss Trevor Foster. “We were lapping faster than the best of the competition in conditions that were less than ideal, and just as important, we achieved the reliability and consistency that is so important in racing. This is the best possible start to the season and we are now looking forward to the next 1000km race at Monza in July.”