With all the teams set up, and ready ahead of tomorrow’s track action at Spa Francorchamps for the second round of the 2016 WEC season, DSC took a stroll down the paddock to see what’s new as the build up to the 84th 24 Hours of Le Mans continues.
In the #27 SMP BR01, Devi Markazov’s name was on the side the car for the first time, after the Russian was forced to miss the Silverstone opener due to business commitments.
Down in the Gulf Racing pit, its Porsche 911 RSR is fully repaired following the hefty shunt with Brendon Hartley’s 919 last time out at Farm. The British squad will be hoping for better fortunes this time out.
Strakka Racing meanwhile, is optimistic about its chances at Spa. “We’re going to unleash the fury here!” claimed team principal Dan Walmsley, who explained to DSC about the team’s tyre choices for the race.
“We’ll be running soft and medium Dunlop compounds here, rather than the medium and medium plus’ that some of our competitors will use,” he said, confident that the Gibson will be a force in the Ardennes.
The other team Gibson chassis on the grid from G-Drive Racing was seen for the first time in a box next to its sister full-season Oreca. The O15S, which has had major success in the WEC rounds at Spa, could also be on for a good result once again this year.
“There will be no team orders,” said team principal Sam Hignett to DSC when asked if the Gibson would be allowed to take a victory if the Oreca was also in position on Saturday. “It makes no difference to us in terms of points because it’s a wildcard.”
Aston Martin’s trio of Vantages are running at Spa in green, after the #97 ran Valero colours at Silverstone.
The wings on the front and rear of the cars have also been changed to the national flag of Belgium for the weekend.
Both Audi and Porsche arrive at Spa with updated high-downforce aero kits ahead of Le Mans. Audi in particular, was being more secretive about the R18’s updated look, with barriers blocking any view of the car in the garages.
