Le Mans Test Day Goes Well for Team Modena
The Le Mans test day, the only chance to run on the full Le Mans circuit prior to the famous 24-Hour race itself, saw Team Modena seventh quickest of the LM GT1 class cars. Any real opportunity to go for a quick time with the Aston Martin DBR9 was denied the squad as rain and red flags punctuated the day, but the team were happy with what they achieved.
All three drivers gained precious track time, Christian Fittipaldi and Jos Menten getting back into the groove having raced with the team at Le Mans in 2007, while newcomer Terry Borcheller had his first opportunity to take to the track with Team Modena. Heavy rain brought effective running to a halt on several occasions, while several cars went off heavily which saw sessions red-flagged.
"The rain has been really heavy," said Team Principal Graham Schultz at the circuit, "but we are really pleased with what we have achieved today and we even split the work's cars at one point this morning.
"All three drivers are very happy, Jos slotted in as if he had never been away, Christian was in the groove straightaway and Terry just needed time in our car - he already has Aston Martin experience. We didn't need to qualify any of the drivers and we completed our wet programme, and dealt with all the little issues that crop up on a day like this.
"This event is all about preparation, and we know our car, we have data from our last two years here, and we are looking good now for the race."
The Le Mans 24-Hours starts on Saturday June 14th, with four hours of qualifying on the Wednesday and Thursday in the week leading into race weekend. Team Modena have a fine Le Mans pedigree, taking their Aston Martin to ninth overall in 2006, and wining the organiser's prize for the best pitwork in the entire pit lane in 2007 for getting the car back into the ace after a heavy night time incident after being hit by another car.