The two Ford Chip Ganassi Racing Ford GTs have qualified on pole position and in second place, locking out the front row of the grid for tomorrow’s ‘Total 6 Hours of Spa’, the first round of the new WEC Super Season.
“That’s a fantastic way to start the season,” said Team Principal, George Howard-Chappell. “We couldn’t ask for a better result than that. The team are all working together very well and both driving crews did a great job. There was one point up for grabs and we got that one and now we have to think about the points all the way through the season. The car seems to be working very well in these conditions so we’re pleased to see the forecast is for a dry race tomorrow. The new tyres are working well so a big thanks to Michelin for that.”
Andy Priaulx (GB) and Harry Tincknell (GB) took pole position in the #67 Ford GT that they share with Tony Kanaan (BRA), scoring their first championship point of the season. Each car’s qualifying time is an aggregate time of the fastest lap times of the two drivers who took part in the session so they both have to be fast!
“I’m very happy with that!” said Priaulx. “We actually had a vibration which cost us a bit of grip so I’m really happy to put it up there. Harry then put together a brilliant used tyre run and between us we took pole. I have two great team mates in Harry and Tony and I’m hoping that we can do something special here tomorrow.”
“We were in second place when I went out so I knew I had to put in a good lap to make the jump to pole,” said Tincknell. “We’ve been at the top of the timesheets all weekend but haven’t necessarily been that happy with the car. The team did a great job with the set up and it now feels great. We’re starting from the best position tomorrow and will have a nice, clear track ahead of us once the P1 and P2 cars are through the first corner. The competition will be tough tomorrow but we are a strong team and I couldn’t be happier with today’s result!”
In the #66 Ford GT Olivier Pla (FRA) and Stefan Mücke (GER) took second place in the car shared with Billy Johnson (US).
“You always want pole position of course but we are happy,” said Pla. “I actually had the fastest time so I was pleased with my lap. The important thing is the race though. We have a good car, which is beautifully balanced and the tyres are good so we’re feeling strong.”
The 6 Hours of Spa gets underway on Saturday, May 5 at 13:30 CET.
Source. Ford
Comments
