Barker tops Carrera Cup GB test at Le Mans

Ben Barker sets the pace in free practiceKarl Leonard and Steven Liquorish head Pro-Am1 and Pro-Am2Amazing response to first experience of the Le Mans trackDrivers in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB were bowled over by their first chance to tackle the incredible eight-mile lap at Le Mans during testing this evening (Wednesday 11 June). Ben Barker (Parr Motorsport) set a mighty pace to head the Carrera Cup drivers and take second fastest overall in the 62-strong pack of cars.While Barker headed the British runners, championship leader Michael Meadows (Samsung UHD TV Racing) headed the impressive Paul Rees (In2 Racing) to be second fastest from as drivers spent the 60-minute session exploring the incredible challenge offered by the famous French track. The sight of 62 cars from Carrera Cup GB and Carrera Cup France lining up in the Le Mans pit lane got the race weekend off to a stunning start.Karl Leonard (Team Parker Racing) set the Pro-Am1 pace, while Steven Liquorish (Team Parker Racing) headed Pro-Am2 pace and Guy Riall (Almara Racing) turned in an impressive performance to head the GT3 Cup Challenge runners.The cars are back on track for qualifying at 5.30pm on Wednesday afternoon.Ben Barker (Parr Motorsport) fastest overall:“With a new track you’ve just got to get on with it and take some risks at the start. There was so much traffic and I finally got a clear lap, but after the peak of the session.”Michael Meadows (Samsung UHD TV Racing) second overall:“That was interesting! It’s a lot to think about and there was a lot of traffic. You just wait, wait, wait and then breathe on the straights. Then it’s about massive braking.”Paul Rees (In2 Racing) third overall:“It’s an awe-inspiring place and this is the most level playing field of the season. There’s been a big gap since Thruxton and we’ve made good progress. I’m confident we can find more time.”Karl Leonard (Team Parker Racing) fastest in Pro-Am1:“It’s so fast! I need a road map to see where I’m going and I’ve still not sorted out the Porsche Curves. There’s a big chunk of time to come and I just need more laps.”Steven Liquorish (Team Parker Racing) fastest in Pro-Am2:“I forgot to put any ear plugs in and so my ears are ringing. It’s a great track and the Porsche Curves are so impressive with the big weight transfer at speed. I’ve never driven a corner like that before. There’s a lot of time left in me.”Peter Kyle-Henney (Parr Motorsport) third in Pro-Am2:“Unbelievable! Every time you go round a corner you see where you can find more time. This is one track you have to race on: it was just phenomenal. The most amazing thing is sitting on the rev limiter down the Mulsanne Straight.”Guy Riall (Almara Racing) fastest in GT3 Cup Challenge:“I had to come into the pits after the out lap to get the blipper re-set. Then I was just trying to get the circuit in my mind. It’s a mega circuit: fantastic!”


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