Strakka Racing in Close Run for Pole

Just seven-tenths of a second separated the Strakka Racing Aston Martin DBR9 from pole position for the start of tomorrow’s 2008 Le Mans Series finalé at Silverstone. Aston Martin works driver Darren Turner, joining team regulars Nick Leventis and Peter Hardman for the six-hour event, topped the GT1 timing screens for some while before losing out to the title contenders.

“Heading off into qualifying like that was a journey into the unknown!” claimed Darren. Apart from a test at Snetterton last week, his opportunities at become acquainted with the combination of DBR9 and Dunlop tyres had been severely restricted. “I didn’t know what the tyres were going to be like in qualifying trim, having only done about 20 laps at Snetterton last week, and then four or five laps yesterday. Ultimately, we did a very respectable time, and I’m pleased with that.”

Qualifying had been particularly close, but the team’s benchmark has always been the Team Modena Aston Martin, Not only is it similar to Strakka’s DBR9, but it has also been setting the class pace in the Le Mans Series for much of the year. “At the end there was just two-tenths between us,” added Darren. “Knowing that there’s so much more yet to come from the Strakka car, that’s enormously encouraging.”

Preparations for qualifying had not been ideal. Although Friday’s first session of free practice had been relatively dry, the conditions since then had ranged from damp though to torrential. “Trying to dial the car into those kind of conditions wasn’t going to be helpful when it came to qualifying,” explained Peter Hardman. “We know that the conditions for the race are likely to be very different, so working hard on a set-up to suit the damp, slippery and very green track we’ve had for the last two days was going to be pretty worthless. Instead, we have worked on a pure race set-up, and apart from a slightly lower fuel load, that’s what we took into qualifying.” If, as is likely, some of their rivals did attempt to prepare for qualifying with a bespoke set-up, then being so close bodes well for the race.

Nick Leventis, who will drive the middle part of the 1000 kilometres race tomorrow, was much encouraged. “We may be fourth, but it’s a lot better than it looks,” he said. “We’ve made such a lot of progress since Spa in May, and to be within a few tenths of those at the front of the grid is a great achievement. It’s leaps and bounds really, and Darren’s input has been tremendous. I just hope we can continue to carry that level of improvement forwards into next season. As for the race tomorrow, hopefully, with some reliability, we’ll still be in contention at the end.”

Peter Hardman will take the rolling start at 11:20, and is scheduled to complete an opening double stint before handing over to Nick. Darren will then complete the race to the chequered flag. “Based on what we think the LMP1 Peugeots may achieve, and allowing for any safety cars, that should see us all the way, although we’ve made allowances for a quick splash and dash at the end, if necessary,” said Peter.

Photo, credit: Peter May of Dailysportscar.

For further information please telephone 01327 351134

For details relating directly to this release, please contact James Turner, Marketing Consultant to Strakka Racing.

Further information about Darren Turner can be found at Darren's own website www.darrenturner.net

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