A determined performance from all three drivers helped Larbre Competition claim a hard-fought second place class finish at the 6 Hours of Silverstone, round one of the FIA World Endurance Championship, in Britain last Sunday.
The French squads #50 Corvette C6.R, driven by Patrick Bornhauser, Julien Canal and Fernando Rees, produced a collectively strong performance to overcome a number of obstacles and snatch a GTE Am runner-up finish with less than five minutes remaining.
The reigning champions were disappointed to qualify fifth, a result of set-up work being hindered by the ever-changing weather conditions during practice, before a puncture just five laps into Sundays race contributed to 60 seconds being lost.
But those setbacks proved the catalyst for an inspired fightback as first Canal, who re-joined last, set about clawing back lost ground. Bornhauser also demonstrated his ability in the wet when his rivals headed for the pits, only for a 45-second stop/go penalty for passing the pair of struggling Aston Martins under the new full course yellow system to undo much of the good work.
Fortunately Rees was in a similarly racey mood to that of his co-drivers and, as time ticked away, the Brazilian caught the second placed #81 8Star Motorsports Ferrari 458. With just four minutes remaining, and as a much faster prototype forced its way past them, the GT pair touched. Although slight, the contact was enough to puncture the Ferraris left-rear tyre and hand Larbre Competition an unlikely second place.
Patrick Bornhauser, #50 Corvette C6.R: At the start of my stint I quickly realised that there was a problem with the pit radio. I could hear Jack but the team could not hear me. Then, I also had the rain to deal with on slicks while our rivals were running wet-weather tyres. But despite all of this I managed to maintain a good pace that allowed me to make up the difference. Our race strategy was very good and the car well set up, allowing me to move into third place. This was a great first event and the 2013 championship looks promising.
Julien Canal, #50 Corvette C6.R: After practice took place on a wet but drying track we managed to find a good set-up for the Corvette. I suffered a puncture during my first race stint, re-joined last and had to mount a comeback. My lap times were amongst the fastest on-track. During my second stint, and following a great performance by Patrick, the pace was still high thanks to our very competitive Corvette. I am delighted to start the new season with second place.
Fernando Rees, #50 Corvette C6.R: I am very pleased with the result. We were extremely competitive throughout the weekend but only finished fifth fastest in qualifying. I was certain we could finish the race in a better position. The entire team worked hard and to perfection! Congratulations to everyone for such a strong finish. Spa will be even better.
Jack Leconte, Team Manager: The increased number of entries and Aston Martins arrival meant that the 2013 championship was always going to be competitive, and that indeed looks to be the case after Silverstone. The unpredictable British weather in April was also an important factor so taking everything into consideration I insisted that the team bear three words in mind: focus, consistency and caution.
The puncture at the start really set us back but all three drivers responded superbly. We had to apply a risky strategy in order to fight for a podium thereafter and fortunately it paid off. Fernandos final stint on medium tyres was fantastic: I think he went faster on five separate laps and managed to reel in the Ferrari. Slight contact meant the bodywork rubbed against the cars rear tyre, which ultimately caused a puncture.
I am delighted with the entire teams performance and the result, which we can hopefully use as a springboard at Spa so that we can head to Le Mans as championship leaders.
Round two of the FIA World Endurance Championship takes place at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium on May 3/4.
6 Hours of Silverstone Result:1. Aston Martin Racing Aston Martin Nygaard/Poulsen/Simonsen 169 laps2. Larbre Competition Corvette Bornhauser/Canal/Rees +33. 8Star Motorsports Ferrari Potolicchio/Aguas/Peter +44. Aston Martin Racing Aston Martin Goethe/Hall/Campbell-Walter +45. Proton Competition Porsche Ried/Roda/Ruberti +46. Krohn Racing Ferrari Krohn/Jonsson/Mediani +57. IMSA Performance Porsche Narac/Bourret/Vernay +68. AF Corse Ferrari Gerber/Griffin/Cioci +21
