No points for ProSpeed Competition at Paul Ricard, but a positive balance sheet 30.06.2013: BLANCPAIN ENDURANCE SERIES – PAUL RICARD The third round of the Blancpain Endurance Series, held on the sun drenched Paul Ricard

BLANCPAIN ENDURANCE SERIES – PAUL RICARD




The third round of the Blancpain Endurance Series, held on the sun drenched Paul Ricard circuit, in the south of France, in no way neither rewarded ProSpeed Competition’s hard work, nor that of Marc Hennerici (GER), Xavier Maassen (NDL) and Maxime Soulet (BEL), the Porsche drivers bearing the Alcra Flash-MoWeKo-CMF-Spike Communications colours.


Following a start in the middle of the first part of the pack, comprised out of sixty cars, a race incident provoked some time loss and a flat tyre.


Relegated to the last place in the overall classification, the three drivers took on a brilliant catch-up race to finally take the chequered flag, some three hours later in 14th place overall, and 12th in their “Pro” category. The title of best representative of the Porsche brand is once again, amply deserved.


In a recent past, in endurance racing, it was still possible to compensate a time loss experienced in a race. It was even possible, starting out from the last place on the grid, to actually clinch victory. Today, endurance races, held with cars all belonging to the same category, have become true “sprint” events from the first through to the last meter.


No longer is there mention of an “attentive” attitude, nor a pivotal time to keep the mechanical parts in check. No, now the only tempo on the books is that of pure competition. The consequence of this evolution; the slightest incident or slightest time loss costs dearly. Which is what happened at Paul Ricard for ProSpeed Competition.


Having experienced a slight nudge during the initial stage of the race, Xavier Maassen needed to concentrate even more to bring the car into the pit lane to sort out a flat tyre.


Xavier Maassen (NDL – Driver - Porsche 911 GT3-R #75 - Pro Cup)

“Setting out from last place on the track is not an enjoyable feeling. The reason for the incident in itself is to be found in the mix of experienced drivers, competing such as us in the “Pro” category, and the “Gentlemen drivers”. Misunderstandings may occur and I was a victim one of them. The resulting flat tyre costs us even more time.




After such a fateful event, problem solving is simple: never give up and put in the utmost effort that the team members and partners expect from us. I brought the car up into the Top 30 prior to handing over the wheel to my teammates. And they both put in as strong an effort as myself!”


Rudi Penders (ProSpeed Competition Team Principal)

“Our drivers reacted very well after the incident, by keeping a clear head. Together we have correctly improved our position in the overall classification. I would also like to mention the excellent work put in by our technical team, an important factor on the eve of the 24 Hours of Spa.


The Porsche 911 is a car that retains all the qualities to play a leading role in the Blancpain Endurance Series. However it should be stated that, even without the incident, fighting for victory would have been difficult. I am convinced that the balance between the different makes will be better in Spa.”


INFORMATION

Event Blancpain Endurance Series – Paul Ricard (FRA)
Race track Paul Ricard HTTT – Le Castellet (FRA)
Date June 29th & 30th
Championship Blancpain Endurance Series – Round 3 out of 5




Car #75 Porsche 911 GT3-R
Crew Marc Hennerici – Xavier Maassen – Maxime Soulet (GER/NDL/BEL)
Partners Alcra Flash – MoWeKo – UBS - CMF – Carbon Club – Spike Communications – Lacs Eau d’Heure
Team partners Porsche Genuine Parts – Penders Porsche Centre Liège – Mobil1 – Air Liquide - Grafityp


Results Blancpain Endurance Series – Paul Ricard


1. Leinders – Buurman - Martin (Pro) BMW Z4 GT3 81 laps
2. Sims – Dusseldorp – Parente (Pro) McLaren MP4-12C + 0.07
3. Luhr – Kane – Dumbreck (Pro) Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 + 0.42
4. Ramos - Zampieri – Rigon (Pro) Ferrari 458 Italia + 0.44
5. Buhk – Day – Ludwig (Pro) Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 + 0.46
…
14. Hennerici – Maassen – Soulet (Pro) Porsche 911 GT3-R + 1 lap
…



Calendar Round

1 April 14th Monza (Italy)
Round 2 June 2nd Silverstone (Great-Britain)
Round 3 June 30th Paul Ricard HTTT (France)
Round 4 July 28th & 29th Spa 24H (Belgium)
Round 5 September 22nd Nürburgring (Germany)


- Pascal Rouard, photos ProSpeed