LMP1-H:
Current Manufacturer World Championship leader Toyota has a mere one-point lead over its rival Audi, and there will be all to play for in Texas with Mike Conway – a well-known name to US audiences from his Indycar career – making his race debut for the Japanese manufacturer. Audi’s Lucas di Grassi and André Lotterer head to the USA on the back of wins this past weekend in other series and fired up to repeat them in the FIA WEC. Toyota’s No.8 (Davidson/Lapierre/Buemi) won at Silverstone and Spa, but Audi’s No.2 (Fässler/Lotterer/Tréluyer) took the big one at Le Mans. Porsche has been testing hard over the summer, soaking up the lessons learnt in the first three rounds, and its first FIA WEC race win can’t be far away. Mark Webber will bring his F1 experience at COTA to bear, and his will to win is matched by every one of his team mates.
LMP1-L:
Rebellion Racing will be leading the welcome party for Lotus who join the ‘Light’ category for the first time this season with the new CLM P1/01 AER in the hands of Bouchut/Rossiter/Auer. The Swiss Rebellion team has had an opportunity to develop its knowledge of its R-One Toyota which was introduced at Spa-Francorchamps, the second round of the FIA WEC, and will be looking for a strong finish from both its cars.
LMP2:
G-Drive Racing’s Rusinov/Canal/Pla won the first two rounds of the 2014 FIA WEC but retirement from the 24 Hours of Le Mans cost the Russian team dearly in terms of points. Its compatriots from SMP Racing lead the LMP2 championship and drivers from both its entries will be looking to follow on with another victory. Spa pole-winner KCMG will benefit from the experience of Tsugio Matsuda alongside Howson/Bradley, while Extreme Speed Motorsports will be determined to maintain national pride on its debut in the FIA WEC.
LMGTE Pro:
If the competition has been hot in this category to date, it is guaranteed to be even hotter with the entry of US fan-favourite, Corvette Racing. Ferrari has claimed victory in the last two rounds including the 24 Hours of Le Mans (Bruni/Vilander in the No.51 AF Corse F458 Italia, with Fisichella at Le Mans), with Porsche Team Manthey having claimed the winner’s laurels at the opening round of the season at Silverstone. Aston Martin Racing has missed out on the podium in the last two races, and will be keen to repeat its 2013 success.
LMGTE Am:
The biggest class in the race will feature four Ferraris, two Aston Martins and two Porsches, with the British marque currently holding the upper hand following wins at Silverstone and Le Mans (No.95 Aston Martin Vantage V8). Richie Stanaway steps in for Nicki Thiim alongside Poulsen/Heinemeier- Hansson), while Spa winners Perez-Companc/Cioci/Venturi will be seeking a second win to boost their title chances. Proton Competition’s No.88 Porsche 911 RSR (Ried/Bachler/Al Qubaisi) will be looking to improve on its second place finish at the 24-hour classic and take its first win of the year.
Fiona Miller
