In the near-perfect conditions of Thursday’s free practice sessions, FIA World Endurance Championship competitors OAK racing made significant progress during second practice in particular. Despite the congestion on track and interruptions from red flags, which resulted in an extension to the night practice, OAK Racing emerged unscathed and encoraged by strong performances from both cars. Oak racing’s Team Manager Sebastien Philippe, summed up the day; “Overall we’ve enjoyed a good day. The LM P1 looks balanced and the drivers are happy but it will be very competitive amongst the petrol entries, especially as HPD look strong here. It’s not been as easy in LM P2 considering a small engine issue this morning and not testing at the beginning of the week due to the accident. So we’ve had to play catch-up on the car’s set-up. Olivier’s lap was a good way to end the day but then the track conditions were improving and there was less traffic so it’s difficult to analyse the times. For now we’ll stay cautious and see where we are tomorrow.”
Dominik Kraihamer, #15 OAK-Pescarolo LM P1: “We’ve enjoyed a very good day during which we spent a lot of time focusing on the damper settings. We also improved the car’s general set-up which has helped us to find more time when behind the wheel. Unfortunately none of us were able to get a clear lap in, but then that will also be the case in the race so it was good practice! I am very happy with the team’s work today and am confident that we will be ready for the race.”
Olivier Pla, #24 Morgan 2012 LM P2: “We completed a lot of work today even though it was difficult with so many red flags. I had to calm myself down slightly when in the car because it was very easy to get frustrated with so much traffic and cars all over the place. That’s especially difficult to do when you have to play catch-up. We will continue to work on and improve the car’s balance so I am optimistic for the race.”
The final one hour free practice session starts at 09:55 local time (13:55 UK) today before qualifying sessions in the afternoon.
(Source: quotes from OAK racing press release.)
Dave Davies.
Photo : SEBRING (FLORIDA, USA), SEBRING RACEWAY, SEBRING 12 HOURS, THURSDAY 15th MARCH 2012, FREE PRACTICE. #15 – OAK RACING – Oak Pescarolo – Judd LM P1 was 6th fastest overall in night practice.- Photo : JEAN MICHEL LE MEUR