Bruno Senna’s chances of stepping into the podium again in the Le Mans Series is looking promising after the introduction of a new aero pack for the 1.000 Km of Spa that will happen this Sunday. "It is not a guarantee that we will be running ahead of everybody, but is surely a step forward”, says the Brazilian, who will be partnered once again by Oreca Racing regular Stéphane Ortelli.
The pair scored an impressive 3rd place at 1.000 Km of Catalunya early April in Barcelona. Bruno now expects to run with an updated version of the AIM engine which was fitted in Spain only in the second Oreca-Courage LC 70 shared by Olivier Panis and Nicolas Lapierre. "There are maybe 20 extra BHP, which would make some difference”, Bruno points out.
Bruno returns to one of his preferred circuits after a remarkable performance in GP2 Series in 2008. He grabbed the pole on wet, led the initial stages of the race, but was prevented from winning when was given a drive-thru penalty for allegedly put another driver "in risk” when exiting the pits after the mandatory pit stop for tyres. Le Mans Series round at Spa is part of the program settled for this year to keep Bruno ready for F1.
Despite the hard work led by team principal Hughes de Chaunac, Bruno reckons that – just like in the opening race in Barcelona – will be tough to defeat the hot LMP1 class favorites Peugeot 908, Lola Aston Martin and Pescarolo Judd. "I don’t believe we will have the same pace, even with the updates. Anyway, long distance races are always unpredictable, so anything can happen.”
Bruno’s preparation for the race was concluded last week in Paul Ricard. "We needed to work a bit more on the mechanical set up, but Paul Ricard is unique in a certain way. You can’t use the same settings in any other track. At least the new aero package will help us”, continues. Bruno also thinks the Belgium circuit characteristics may add another reason to worry about. "Spa has just a few straights, so overtaking is never easy, even if you are trying to get past the GT1 cars.”
As usual there is a strong possibility of rain on Friday, when the track will be open for the first free practice. "I never drove this car on wet. Should be quite interesting….”, says the Brazilian, who feels "at home” with rain tyres since his British Formula 3 Championship times. The 20-minute qualifying session is scheduled for Saturday, whilst the 143-lap race will begin on Sunday at 12h50.
