Davide Rigon and Christoffer Nygaard are looking forward to engaging in more LMGTE Pro battles this weekend as their respective teams – AF Corse and Aston Martin prepare for action.
“We have prepared well and the third place at Silverstone was a pleasing start but of course we would like more here,” said Rigon this morning. “We are much closer to the sister #55 car but if we have rain here this weekend the Porsche will be strong for sure. Normally we prefer the dry condition but we will see.”
The Ferrari 458 Italia, which runs with less downforce than its competitors, often takes much longer to get operational temperature in to its Michelin tyres.
“Yes, this is an area that we constantly work on. The adjustments we make to the balance when we work in cooler conditions are very important. If it is this temperature (9 degrees) then it will be tough for sure. The competition is super tough and the battles on-track will go on all season,” said the Italian.
Aston Martin Racing will be out to exact revenge after Ferrari won on AMR’s home turf at Silverstone. Racing in the #95 Aston Martin as a duo for the first time will be Christoffer Nygaard and Marco Sørensen.
With Nikki Thiim racing at Hockenheim this weekend, and with Nygaard have a small back complaint, Aston Martin Racing has chosen to enter young British GT talent Jonathan Adam. The Scottish racer is planned to just drive in Free Practice at Spa for experience but also for cover should Nygaard have any physical problems.
“I struggled a bit at Silverstone with my back so we took a precaution to get Jonny here just in case,” said Nygaard. “But actually it feels ok and I don’t think there will be any issues at all but it will be good for Jonny to get some laps and be available just in case there are any problems.”
Nygaard believes that Aston Martin will face a hard weekend at Spa where the fuel consumption favours the opposition.
“It is very frustrating to be quick on the track but then lose time when we sit in the box for the fuel but we have known that a long-time with our car and it just means another challenge and more motivation for the team and us as drivers to push more and more.”
With all the action starting with 180 minutes of crucial Free Practice action today the LMGTE Pro battle is set to be re-ignited at the magnificent Spa-Francorchamps.
Photo: AF CORSE'S DAVIDE RIGON (RIGHT) WITH HIS TEAM MATE IN THE NO.71 FERRARI 458 ITALIA, JAMES CALADO.
