LMS: ProSpeed confirm Le Mans Series switch

ProSpeed Competition has confirmed its switch to the Le Mans Series in 2010.

The Porsche squad had planned to compete in the mooted FIA GT2 European Championship after winning the class in the FIA GT Championship last season. But SRO’s decision to shelve the series due to a lack of entries has prompted the Belgian outfit to switch its focus to the LMS.

“There are times when business takes an unexpected turn and for us this was the case with the disappearance of FIA GT2,” said team boss Rudi Penters.

“To our regret, we won’t be in a position to defend our FIA GT2 title. The championship will not take place this year and this highly unexpected change of schedule resulted in our decision, in consultation with all our partners, to opt for the Le Mans Series.”

The team has retained the services of reigning FIA GT2 champion Richard Westbrook and promising youngster Marco Holzer, whose one race with Westbrook last season resulted in victory in the season-finale at Zolder.

Penders explained his choice of driver line-up: “All in all the choice wasn’t that difficult. Richard Westbrook had a contract with us which also stipulated that apart from his programme with us he could also compete in other championships. Thanks to Porsche, Marco Holzer, Porsche Junior Driver, will join our team again. His presence confirms the good relationship we have with the factory.

“The LMS GT2 class boasts a high quality competition environment, where we will be meeting up once again with our AF Corse and CRS rivals,” said Penters. “Notwithstanding the fact that this changeover brings about a fair amount of adaptations, including the length of the races, I’m fully convinced that with Marco Holzer and Richard Westbrook at the wheel of our Porsche 911 GT3 RSR we have to go full out for the title in LMS.”

The team, which took part in the official Le Mans Series test days at Paul Ricard earlier this month, plans to enter a single car for the entire five-round LMS season, while a second entry is likely to appear at selected events.


Andy Wilkinson

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