Interviews

Mosler fastest in Warm-up

© Planetlemans - Gerlach Delissen

A varied, competitive and unpredictable field will be the profile of GT2 this year at Le Mans. A handful of "gentleman driven" cars will probably be behind a big Ferrari vs Porsche battle with Spyker and Panoz on their heels. While the Ferrari had had an edge ove the Porsches lately the first visit of the 997 to La Sarthe during test day demonstrated that it won’t be easy for the 430Gts to just run away with victory. Strong teams, changes of fortune, anything is possible in this class.

Seikel Motosports - Porsche 997 GT3 RSR - Number 71
In the farewell appearance of the Seikel name in Le Mans the entry has in fact been "outsourced" to Felbermayr who will run a father-son-Collin line-up and will therefore not be with their top LMS line-up of Lieb-Pompidou. Some chances of a good finish.

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IMSA Performance Matmut - Porsche 997 GT3 RSR - Number 76
the already strong Lietz-Narac line-up is reinforced by Le Mans winner Pat Long in one of the quickest Porsches around. A clear candidate for victory provided they are not as unlucky as last year when they destroyed their car during qualifying.

AF Corse - Ferrari 430 GT - Number 78
Another entry "outsourced", this time to JMB and a line-up which includes successful Formula 1 designer Adrian Newey. Slowest car during test day, a finish would be nice.

Flying Lizard Motorsport - Porsche 997 GT3 RSR - Number 80
The top Porsche team in the ALMS with an extremely strong line-up, experienced and quick. The Ferraris have beaten them up to now during 2007 but this is another clear candidate for the top spot.

Team LNT - Panoz Esperante GTLM - Numbers 81,82
The team that took victory last year thanks to their endurance is back with some reliability issues experienced during the LMS races, however the Panozes should be able to get to the finish even if they won’t be the quickest. Strong outsiders for victory.

GPC Sport - Ferrari 430GT - Number 83
Yet another "outsourced" entry where none of the regular GPC quick drivers will be around. First drive by a Hong Kong native (Matthew Marsh) after many years of having his own entry rejected. If they finish they could get a good placement.

Spyker Squadron - Spyker C8 Spyder - Numbers 85,86
Spyker did very good at la Sarthe in 2006 but since then they seem to have progressed less than their bigger rivals like Ferrari and Porsche. Some engine updates for Le Mans should help them pick up on speed but their reliability here has historically been an issue. Outsiders for a podium place provided they bring the car home. Both line-ups are strong enough to get them there.

Scuderia Ecosse - Ferrari 430GT - Number 87
The Scottish team is a top runner in FIA-GT an was very unlucky last year not to win the 24 Hours. Back in full strength in 2007 they are another big contender for victory.

Autorlando Sport - Porsche 997 GT3 RSR - Number93
An entry acquired through victory in the LMS championship but in fact passed on to the Farnbacher regulars Nielsen-Ehret and the Virgo driver Allan Simonsen. Strong enough to be on the podium at the chequered flag.

Risi Competizione - Ferrari 430GT - Numbers 97,99
One of their cars is the top runner in the ALMS with Salo-Melo and reinforced for the occasion with Johnny Mowlem. This is another of the potential winners. Car number 99 is actually Tracy Krohn’s car and should be able to fight for a top 5 if they last the distance.

gabriel@planetlemans.com

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