WITH SCRUTINEERING AND NEW PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT
French team to compete at La Sarthe for the 23rd time
BRM join the GT experts with a special edition timepiece
Larbre Competition kicked off its 2015 Le Mans 24 Hours (June 10-14) with the traditional scrutineering procedure last Sunday (June 7).
The French squad and its three drivers Kristian Poulsen, Gianluca Roda and Paolo Ruberti attended scrutineering with their GTE Am-entered #50 Corvette C7.R for technical and administrative checks at Place de la Republique in downtown Le Mans at 16:50 local time.
The Vigeant-based outfit received a warm welcome from fans ahead of its 23rd appearance at the Le Mans 24 Hours. The five-time class winners now look ahead to Wednesday’s free practice and the first qualifying session at the iconic Circuit de la Sarthe (June 10).
With local weather reports forecasting potential rain showers over the track this week, the 2012 FIA WEC GTE Am champions will be grateful of their Test Day preparations, which also took place in mixed conditions.
Finally, Larbre Competition is delighted and proud to welcome BRM as one of its official partners for the 83rd running of the French endurance classic, which also serves as round three of this year’s FIA World Endurance Championship. Bernard Richards’ high-end watch brand will release a special edition to celebrate the French squad and its #50 car.
Paolo Ruberti: “Scrutineering was a really fun day! We had nice weather and there were so many spectators there showing their support. Now, I’m looking ahead to free practice to see how the car is working before we push for qualifying.”Kristian Poulsen: “The Test Day was good, but the weather was really bad so we didn’t get to do that much running in the dry. I think we have a good set-up though and it’s going to be an exciting 24 hours. Le Mans is a long race and it takes a lot to do well, but I really think we have the speed to be at the front.”Gianluca Roda: “It’s my fourth time here at Le Mans; the best race in the world! It’s a really special week for the French fans, as well as all those that travel from abroad to come and watch. I’m feeling good about the race after our strong Test Day in the rain, especially as we’re expecting similar conditions on Saturday and Sunday. However, 24 hours is a long time so we’ll see what happens.”
Jack Leconte, Team Manager: “Scrutineering has become something of a routine for us at Larbre Competition seeing as this was our 23rd time there.
“It’s always an important event, especially for morale within the team as some members work with us all year long, while others only join us for Le Mans. Scrutineering is the first time we’re all together and is a great opportunity for everyone to find their feet before giving 100% for the best possible result on Sunday.
“Wednesday’s programme will obviously be weather-dependent seeing as conditions have been quite unsettled this year. Test Day mostly took place in the rain but has been followed by glorious weather. More showers are expected throughout the event but at least we know our wet weather set-up has been perfectly fine-tuned!
“What’s more, I’m delighted BRM have come on board as the Le Mans 24 Hours gets going. Bernard has become a good friend over the years and we’re happy and proud to be associated with this prestigious French brand at a blue riband event like Le Mans.”
2015 LE MANS 24 HOURS SCHEDULE:
Wednesday 10 June 16:00 – 20:00: Free Practice 22:00 – 00:00: Qualifying 1
Thursday 11 June 19:00 – 21:00: Qualifying 2 22:00 – 00:00: Qualifying 3
Friday 12 June 17:30 – 19:30: Drivers Parade, Le Mans
Saturday 13 June 09:00 – 09:45: Warm-up 15:00: 83rd Le Mans 24 Hours start
Sunday 14 June 15:00: 83rd Le Mans 24 Hours finish
