Rumour has surfaced surrounding van Merksteijn's continued participation in the Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2009.
Internet rumour has it that van Merksteijn will leave the Le Mans Series in 2009 to focus on their World Rally program, which could see them gain semi works status from Ford.
Additionally it was known that they were after an Audi R10 to run privately but were rebuffed by Audi. Having achieved the class win at Le Mans and are on course for a class title in the Le Mans Series, it looks like it could be job done for the Dutch team.
But it is not all bad news. Equipe Verschuur, the actual team behind the van Merksteijn effort has said via the ten-tenths.com forums that the relationship with van Merksteijn will change and if they quit the Series, Equipe Verschuur will attempt to find another partner to continue racing the Porsche RS Spyder.
This effort could continue with the same star drviers (ie Jos Verstappen and Jeroen Bleekemolen) but with a different partner. Which means - the Series may lose van Merksteijn but will keep the car and the drivers.
The FMSC View
The silly season has started and we will keep you updated on whatever happens. While it would be a shame to lose van Merksteijn, another team will take their place.
Sam Tickell