RML's sportscar team showed the competitiveness of their Saleen S7R's at Hockenheim this weekend with Chris Goodwin and Joao Barbosa running in 2nd position before encountering brake problems in the closing stages of the race.
Having started from 11th position on the grid Joao took the first stint and had climbed up to 5th place before handing over to Chris. Chris continued to gain places in the No.8 car and was soon running in 2nd place. Joao took the wheel for the final stint and soon regained 2nd position but with only minutes left of the race he was forced to pit with brake problems, losing a number of laps he eventually brought the car home 8th in class.
Chris Goodwin commented "Each race has bought us closer to where we should be, running in 2nd place was great and we saw a fantastic drive from Joao. I was pleased to take the car from 5th up to 2nd and feel we have really proved the teams potential today".
Joao Barbosa commented "I was pleased Miguel recommended me to take his seat this weekend and despite the disappointment at the end of the race I enjoyed working with the RML team. We were very competitive which is good and I feel I have been able to make a contribution to the improvements the team have made".
Tommy Erdos and Mike Newton suffered disappointment in the No.7 Saleen with a retirement 2 hours into the race. Both drivers had experienced some brake problems and despite running in fifth place at one stage they struggled to keep the pace before a gearbox problem caused their eventual retirement.
RML Background
RML's 4,300 square metre facility in Northamptonshire, England includes full design, development, manufacturing and operational support for international race/rally programmes and automotive engineering projects.
The organisation has achieved championship success in a diverse range of motorsport categories including GT/sportscars, touring cars, rally cars, single seaters and oval speedway cars. In 2004 RML teams will compete in the FIA GT Championship, British Touring Car Championship, Le Mans Endurance Series and the Le Mans 24 Hours.
