Gravlund out, Ali in at Inter Europol
There’s a change at Inter Europol Competition this weekend in its Le Mans Cup squad, as Dane Sebastian Gravlund has withdrawn from the event.
The Copenhagen-based driver has opted to sit out tomorrow’s race after being involved in a traffic accident on Monday afternoon, in which he was hit by a motorbike while out on a bike ride.
Although Sebastian escaped with relatively minor injuries, he has decided to step back after taking part in yesterday’s testing.
“I’ve been lucky to get away with just a few bruised ribs, so I travelled to Mugello to see if I could push through the weekend. But I have to admit, it’s not possible because the pain is too intense,” said Gravlund.
“It’s really unfortunate. I had hoped to manage with a combination of painkillers and sports tape, but it just doesn’t make sense. I’ll have to sit this one out and focus on getting ready for the final at Portimão in about a month.”
On short notice, he’s been replaced by RLR MSport ELMS regular Daniel Ali (above) in the #43 Ligier JS P320.
McWhirter’s return
Whilst several of the teams in the ELMS paddock tested here at Mugello earlier in the year, it’s either the first time at the circuit for many or a return after many years away this weekend.
JMW team owner Jim McWhirter is one member of the paddock who finds him back for the first time in a long time.
He last visited the Tuscany circuit as a driver in Ferrari Challenge back in 2003, in a period when the Ferrari 360 Challenge was the car fielded. Since then, there have been six iterations of one-make Ferrari!
Welcome back Jim!
Oliveira joins DKR
DKR’s ELMS-entered #4 Duqueine will have three drivers this weekend, with Guilherme Oliveira taking the seat previously filled by Belen Garcia alongside Alex Mattschull and Wyatt Brichacek.
This marks the 19-year-old’s return to ELMS after taking part in the final round of the 2021 season with Racing Experience and the 2022 season with Inter Europol Competition. During that ’22 campaign, he scored three wins en route to the runner-up spot in the class standings.
He also has LMP3 experience in IMSA, Asian Le Mans Series, Le Mans Cup and Prototype Cup Germany to draw from, as well as GTE Am starts in the WEC.
Mugello proving popular
The decision to visit the Mugello circuit for the first time this year is proving to be a popular one with the ELMS drivers, particularly those competing in LMP2 who are enjoying the circuit’s sense of speed and flow.
Inter Europol’s Tom Dillmann, Algarve Pro Racing’s Alex Lynn and AO by TF’s Louis Deletraz were among those who gave their impressions of the circuit to DSC today after Free Practice.
All three pointed out that it’s a particularly challenging circuit to overtake slower cars on due to the closing speeds and the number of technical, medium-speed corners.
They also warned that tyre deg is going to be a huge factor, comparing the surface to Barcelona in terms of abrasion. Double stinting tyres in LMP2 looks set to be a tough ask for drivers during the race, they feel.
“Tyre wear is such a factor,” Deletraz added, “that Qualifying will mean almost nothing here.”
Nevertheless, Mugello should produce a spectacular ELMS race, one you won’t want to miss.
Roda tops Bronze test
Proton Competition’s Georgio Roda ran fastest in the Bronze Test this afternoon, which was held in tricky conditions caused by rainfall before and towards the end of the hour.
His best time was a 2:04.411 in the #77 ORECA, half a second up on Francois Perrodo in the AF Corse example.
LMP3 saw Team Virage lead the way with a 2:09.150 from Julien Gerbi, while Sarah Bovy set the quickest LMGT3 time for Iron Dames (2:11.357).
Images courtesy of ELMS & Inter Europol
