Debutant Berthon tops the times for Murphy
The sun made an appearance to warm up the Paul Ricard track this afternoon and also put smiles on the faces of the Murphy Prototype team which set the fastest lap of the session.
Nathanael Berthon, who earlier today told DSC about his excitement in making his LMP2 debut here, set a quick 1m48342s lap in the Nissan powered Oreca. The Frenchman found several clear laps in his stint and impressed mightily, finding the potential of the car reasonably easy to find.
“It was a nice lap but I am still getting in to the rhythm,” said Berthon. “The car feels good and the handling is very impressive and not far removed from the GP2 cars, despite the weight. There is more time in the car for sure so it is all very positive for my first laps in the car.”
In the LMGTE class it was Ferrari all the way as 458s took the top eight positions with the #55 AF Corse entry of Matt Griffin/Duncan Cameron and Michele Rugolo topping the times. The session was not without its problems though as Cameron was issued with a black flag for not respecting track limits on more than one occasion.
The GTC pace was set by the #71 SMP Racing Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 of Kiril Ladygin and his younger brother Anton Ladygin. They are joined by fellow Russians Alekesy Basov and Alexander Forlov, while a fifth driver, Luca Persini, is also scheduled to drive the car this week.
Battistini remains patient for LMP2 chance
Dillon Battistini will be an unfamiliar name to most in Europe but the 36 year old Indy domiciled Brit is hoping to change that very soon.
Battistini made a name for himself in Indy Lights back in 2008 when he won the Indianapolis 500 support race. He went on to make a one-off Indycar race start in 2011 for Conquest Racing but has since been on the periphery of International racing. However, there are many, such as Conquest Racing’s Eric Bachelart who wax lyrical about his talent and potential.
“I’m hoping to get some laps toward the end of today and then some more tomorrow,” said Battistini, when DSC caught up with him in the paddock today. “I was put on to Murphy Prototypes by KCMG who I knew from some Asian F3 racing I did a few years ago. I was supposed to do the FIA WEC test last week but just missed out as they didn’t have enough engine mileage left. So they called Greg and here I am, ready to sample some LMP2 power at last.”
Battistini had the briefest of flirtations with LMP machinery in 2002 when he got a handful of laps in a Dyson Lola LMP1 at Sebring.
“It was only a short test but it was enough for me to get a feel of what an LMP is like and the amount of downforce it generates. I want to be part of the sportscar scene and this is the start of it. Hopefully I can track down more opportunities and get a break in 2014.”
Race Performance suffer large shunt
The #34 Race Performance Oreca-Judd suffered a sizeable accident midway through the afternoon session with Michel Frey at the wheel.
The car appeared to leave the track on the main back straight and strike the guardrail with a fearsome impact.
A team spokesperson said: “Michel has been detained in the medical centre. He is ok but just having some tests done. It was a big accident on the straight and for sure it cannot be a driver error.”
The Dunlop shod car was under a tarpaulin but when asked about the condition of the tub the team spokesperson made a face that was akin to arriving back from holiday to find the electricity had gone off and everything in the fridge had turned in to a science project! (pic below Sam Smith)
Brundle and McKenzie close in on deals
Daniel McKenzie is close to finalising a deal with JMW Motorsport to race for the team in ELMS this season. The former Beechdean Aston Martin driver was sharing test duties at the track today with fellow Brit, George Richardson.
“As all intents and purposes go I am committed to JMW this season. We have some small points to go over but that is the plan and I am happy to be part of what is a great team,” said McKenzie.
A confirmation of the deal is likely to be announced shortly after this test.
There was a Brundle in a McLaren for the first time since the 1994 Australian Grand Prix, as Alex emulated his father by driving a Woking built car at Paul Ricard today.
“It has been good today; a steep learning curve of course as I have only done one race in a GT car and that was at the Spa 24 Hours last summer in the Fortec Mercedes. ART Grand Prix are a great team and it has gone smoothly today. There is a lot of potential for them to have a good campaign in 2014 in ELMS.”
For 2014 Brundle has a deal with OAK to run in TUSCC events and at Le Mans but is also eyeing ELMS races with ART Grand Prix. Again, an announcement is likely soon, should terms be agreed after this test.
