LMS: Mansell pleased with testing performance

Nigel Mansell declared himself pleased after a competitive two-day Le Mans Series test at Paul Ricard on Sunday and Monday.
 

The 1992 Formula One World Champion shared the Beachdean-Mansell Motorsport LMP1 Ginetta-Zytek that he will compete in the LMS and at Le Mans this season with his sons Greg and Leo at the French track. The Mansells were a regular presence towards the top of the timesheets during both days, finishing fifth fastest overall on day one and third fastest on day two’s morning session, in what was the squad’s first appearance in the series.

“Overall I think the team has done a fantastic job, with outstanding performances from Greg and Leo,” Mansell Sr said. “I had a problem in the last session when I hit something on the back straight and went airborne momentarily, which brought the test to an end for us. However considering the weather conditions; that it is our first proper test with big opposition and all the other competitors, it is an outstanding achievement to be so high up the order at the first outing.

“We've obviously got a lot of hard work ahead of us but we have a good base to build on now and we're looking forward to returning to Paul Ricard for the first race of the season next month."

Greg Mansell, who will combine his campaign in the LMS this year with another season in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series, agreed with his father’s thoughts.

"The test has gone very well and we're pleased with the car's performance,” said the 22-year-old. “We've made some good progress with the development, working closely with Dunlop and there is more pace to come.

“I'm pleased to be setting times close to the leading pace set by the Orecas. This track, with the long back straight, is going to show up any weaknesses and we’re pleased with the result. I think Zytek have done a fantastic job with the engine, it's pulling very well and I think it's exciting to see what we can do this season. We're certainly moving forward as a team."

Leo makes his LMP1 debut this season after a rookie LMS campaign driving a GT2 Ferrari 430 for Team Modena. He too was pleased with the progress made at Paul Ricard.

"I think it has gone very well,” he said. “It has been very tough with the air temperature, but it has been the same for everyone. It has been a challenge to keep everything warm but we've made some good progress with the car and we look in pretty good shape in terms of competitiveness.

“It was good to get a good feel for the car on full tanks during the test, it is the first time I've driven the car with that amount of weight. We gained some good experience and some good miles; it's encouraging and very exciting."


Andy Wilkinson