Multiple teams are testing at Monza this week, using the circuit to test their cars for a final time before the official Le Mans Test Day next week.
RGR By Morand, Rebellion Racing, Aston Martin Racing, Ford Performance, Tequila Patron ESM, Michael Shank Racing, ByKolles and Panis Barthez Competition are all running at the ‘Temple of Speed’ with the prototype teams using it as a chance to run their low downforce aero kits.
For ByKolles Racing, it’s a chance to continue to refine the CLM, which has seen significant aero upgrades since the Prologue at Paul Ricard. The team also has one of the 2012 WEC Lotus’ at the Italian circuit in its garage. The private owner getting some track time. Driver Oliver Webb tweeted a picture of both in situ (above).
Michael Shank meanwhile, is running the Ligier JS P2 it will use at the race for the first time. The car, which is owned by Onroak, is the same chassis that won at Daytona and Sebring earlier this year in the hands of ESM. At its Le Mans debut, the Ligier will be running a smaller Honda engine than the one used in IMSA; it’s the only Honda-powered car entered in the 2016 edition of the French classic. The car’s full livery for Le Mans was revealed yesterday.
The other Ligier at the test from Panis Barthez meanwhile, hasn’t turned a lap yet, as Paul Loup Chatin confirmed over his twitter account.
Work in progress 🚘 @Autodromo_Monza 🇮🇹
Ready for tomorrow 💪🏼@PBCompetition pic.twitter.com/PVQpjlTdOt— Paul-loup Chatin (@paulloup_chatin) May 24, 2016
Of the two GT teams, Ford has Marino Franchitti, Andy Priaulx and Harry Tincknell on hand to drive one of its GTs.
The dream team reconvenes at @Autodromo_Monza… And it’s a scorcher! 😎🇮🇹☀️ @FordPerformance #FordWEC #Monza #67 pic.twitter.com/GfmkIVJ3sn
— Harry Tincknell (@HarryTincknell) May 24, 2016
And Jonny Adam also took to social media to show off the Aston, which along with the other cars is due to stay at the circuit until Friday, completing long runs.
Pre @24hoursoflemans testing at @Autodromo_Monza today with @AMR_Official in the sun! #LM24 #teamAMR #AstonMartin pic.twitter.com/pc8KiwiXwH
— Jonny Adam (@JonnyAdam) May 24, 2016
The Scot has an extremely packed schedule this week, driving at both Monza, Oulton Park in British GT and the Nürburgring 24 Hours. Jonny will compete in the N24 qualifying session and then fly to the UK to complete BGT qualifying. He’ll then return to the ‘Ring for the rest of the weekend and be back at Oulton on Monday for the British GT races.
