Farnbacher  - No. 87 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, GT classAutodromo Hermanos Rodriguez - Mexico City19 April 2008

The event started very well, as we were fast right from the beginning. It was soon clear that my teammate for Mexico – Pierre Kaffer – was a premium choice. We were on top of the timing lists in two of the three free practice sessions, and in qualifying Pierre was flying to the pole.

We felt that we developed a good car for the race and Pierre was able to hand me the car in first place. After our pit stop with a driver change during the first yellow [caution period], after 30 minutes, we unfortunately fell back to fourth position. The pit stop was slow because we had a problem with the vent on the fuel tank.

I could do fast and consistent lap times in the first part of my two-hour stint. In the last two cautions that brought the field together again, the team called a very good pit strategy that brought us to second position and we were able to go to the end of the race without an additional pit stop. But it was clear that we would have problems with the rear tires during that long stint. I tried to go fast without wearing off the tires too much, and the lap times were very consistent. When the 07 Pontiac came closer, I gave everything the car had in it to keep him behind me, but the Pontiac was just too strong. After he had passed me, I tried to go his speed, but when pushing, our car was oversteering badly.

I think we did everything right this weekend; the Pontiacs just were stronger. I'm happy with our first podium in the Grand-Am series this year, and to be in third position in the championship behind the 07 Pontiac duo is a good base for the rest of the season. I enjoy being part of the Farnbacher Loles team and appreciate their professional way of working. I'm looking forward to the next race and a good battle for the victory at VIR [Virginia International Raceway, on 27 April].