6 HOURS OF CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS

At the sixth round of the World Endurance Championship, the 6 hours of the Circuit of the Americas the weather has been extremely hot throughout the weekend with temperatures reaching 34 degrees and high humidity. Even with this and the fact that Matt Rao and Roberto Merhi had not driven the track before, all the practice sessions have gone to plan and the team have managed to run their full programme.

The qualifying session was driven first by Roberto Merhi before handing over to Matt Rao. Roberto only had the opportunity for one lap but he managed to deliver a really good lap. Matt then followed on with a strong performance which ensured the team had their best grid position of the year, starting in P2.

The heat and humidity will mean that the race will be a challenge for everyone but the team have prepared well and hope to put on a good show for the fans.

Graeme Lowdon, President and Sporting Director

“The team did a great job in qualifying and all three of the drivers worked really well together both in and out of the car to deliver a P2 start for the race. We gave Roberto a small window in which to deliver a good lap and he did so with his first timed lap and this was followed up by Matt putting together a really solid performance. The thing I am most happy about is that the whole team and drivers worked so well together to give our best grid position so far this season.

We are now all focussed on the race and hope that we can achieve a good result after all the hardwork.”

Roberto Merhi, Driver

“I am really happy with today as it is the best qualifying for us so far this year and the first time we have been on the front row of LMP2. The car has improved since Nurburgring and I feel more comfortable in it. I only had the opportunity for one lap which was difficult but I managed to achieve a good enough lap. I am looking forward to the race and hoping for our best result this year.”

Matt Rao, Driver

“I am happy with qualifying today, I think I could have gone a little faster but the sun was more of a problem than expected especially when entering turn 19. I am glad I managed to make a big step from practice and looking at the times from the earlier sessions we are hopeful for a good result. I am looking forward to driving in the dark again, something I always enjoy but this time the heat will make a double stint difficult.”

Ends