- M-SPORT BENTLEY FOCUSES ON CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS
- THREE-HOUR RACE FORMS THIRD ROUND OF THE BLANCPAIN ENDURANCE SERIES
- DRIVERS LOOK FOR ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL RACE AFTER VICTORY AT SILVERSTONE
(Crewe, 23rd May 2014).- After a maiden win for the Continental GT3 last month at Silverstone, M-Sport Bentley is ready to take on the competition again at the third round of the Blancpain Endurance Series. A three-hour race on the evening of Saturday 28th June at the Paul Ricard circuit in southern France is the next test for the men and machines of Bentley’s motorsport division.
The #7 Continental GT3 of Guy Smith, Andy Meyrick and Steven Kane took the lead of the second round of the championship at Silverstone with just 15 minutes of the three hour race remaining, despite an earlier drive-through penalty. The win was Bentley’s first since victory at Le Mans in 2003, and the first in the UK for over 80 years.
Bentley’s Director of Motorsport, Brian Gush, comments:
“Silverstone was an incredible result for us, especially in front of a home crowd. We’ve been encouraged by both the speed and reliability of our car since the start of the season, but to win at only our second competitive race was something special. I’m pleased with our team work, especially in the pit stops at Silverstone, which should translate to strong performance at the other tracks we’ll visit, including Paul Ricard next weekend. We’ll go from the race straight in to preparation for the 24-hours of Spa, including the test session at the start of June, so we’re entering the busiest and most exciting part of the season.”
Bentley Boy Guy Smith drove the opening stint for car #7 at Silverstone, and is also looking forward to the race ahead:
“After the race at Silverstone we’re all hungry for another success. We’ve continued our intensive training programme since the last round, and we’re ready to race. Paul Ricard is a circuit where traction out of the slower corners is vital, and the Continental GT3 has really strong grip while also looking after its tyres, so we’ve got high hopes that we can be on the podium again.”
The sister #8 GT3 had a difficult race at Silverstone, after being forced off the track and sustaining a puncture early in the race. Fighting back from 42nd place to finish 15th was a demonstration of the abilities of the second trio of Bentley Boys: Duncan Tappy, Jérôme D’Ambrosio and Antoine Leclerc. For Frenchman Antoine, Paul Ricard is his home race, and he comments:
“Silverstone was tough for us with the early contact and pit stop, so we’re really eager for a better performance next weekend. We’ve been working together over the last few weeks to refine the setup of our car, and hopefully we’ve have better luck next weekend. I’m really excited to be racing with Bentley in front of my home fans.”
M-Sport Bentley’s progress over the weekend can be followed at @BentleyComms, where live updates will be posted from the track, while Motors TV will provide live television coverage.
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Text and photographs by: Bentley
