Le Mans Series

The Swiss Horag Racing Porsche RS Spyder team was not present for the test as it
is already in Florida where it will contest the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring
on March 15. The main purpose in southern France was for teams and drivers to
familiarize themselves with the new sports prototype. For both race teams the RS
Spyder represents new territory.
Sharing driving duties in the Porsche RS Spyder of the Dutch team for the
2008 season is a high-profile trio. Joining team-owner Peter van Merksteijn and
ex-DTM pilot Jeroen Bleekemolen to contest the LMS is Jos Verstappen.
The ex-Formula 1 driver, who recently took a two-year break, is totally
enthusiastic about the 476 hp sports prototype.
“The Spyder has amazing grip in the fast corners. It’s incredibly stabile under
braking and we haven’t experienced one technical problem. This is simply a
fantastic car which is great fun to drive.”
The Danish Essex team also takes up the race with a well-known line-up of swift
drivers. John Nielsen brings with him successes in sports car racing.
He was world sports car champion and won, amongst others, the Le Mans 24 hour
race in 1990. Nielsen doubles as team manager and driver. Casper Elgaard, the
second Essex driver, is multiple Danish touring car champion.
Aside from finding a suitable set-up for the circuit, the team is also
practicing its pit stops in preparation for the season.
John Nielsen: “Good pit stops can mean the difference between winning and losing
a race. For this reason we tested our pit stops here in the narrow pits under
stressful conditions. My boys are extremely ambitious. They want to be the best
at pit stops.”

Tags: European Premiere