JMW Motorsport celebrated a down to the wire victory in the GTE Pro class at the opening round of the 2012 European Le Mans Series this weekend.
The JMW Motorsport Ferrari 458, driven by James Walker and Jonny Cocker, was strong from the onset of the weekend at Le Castellet where they hoped to repeat their opening victory of 2011.
Starting from second in class, James Walker put in a solid first stint which saw the GT class, as always, provide a close and entertaining match. Taking the wheel for his first race with JMW Motorsport, Jonny Cocker put in an equally strong stint confirming this is a driver pairing to watch.
As the halfway mark approached it became apparent that there was more to the JMW tactics with a superb double stinting as the Dunlop tyres made easy work of the task in hand. James was happy to report back that the car felt even better than last year!
With Jonny taking the final stint, the team were running second behind the JMB Ferrari with Jaime Melo at the wheel. As the clock counted down JMW's strategy bore fruit as Melo pitted for a 'splash & dash' with less than ten minutes to go. All eyes were on the pit straight and sure enough Jonny passed the pit exit just as Melo re-joined the track. With eight minutes on the clock Jonny was now in the lead with Melo breathing down his neck. It was a lead Jonny wasn't going to relinquish, and with the final laps leaving spectators and commentators on the edge of their seats, it was a thrilling victory for JMW Motorsport.
Team manager Tim Sugden was full of praise for the team "I am delighted and so proud of all the team. Both the drivers were amazing and the Dunlops lasted so well on the double stint".
Team Principal Jim McWhirter couldn't be happier with his crew "What a way to start the ELMS 2012 season!
"We won the last race of the LMS season by a whisker and now the first of the new ELMS by almost the same margin; it certainly keeps the heart pumping!
"A top drawer effort by the whole Team with a completely rebuilt car under the guidance of Davey Nicholas and with the strong support from Michelotto, but a special mention for Dunlop whose tyres were superb; a big vote of thanks to them.
"James and Jonny did a sterling job, giving them lots of confidence for the remainder of the Championship.
"Thank you to all our Sponsors and supporters, and hope we can continue in the winning mode".
