Proton Competition’s Ford Mustang LMGT3 faced challenges in Qatar amid promising performances. Despite an early fire affecting the #77 Mustang, Ben Tuck and team managed to secure a lead during the race before technical issues arose. The #88 Mustang also exhibited strong qualifying results. Proton targets improvement for the 6 Hours of Imola.
Proton Competition’s Ford Mustang LMGT3 showcased exceptional performance in Qatar last month, despite the team facing challenges. Although they left the Middle East disappointed, there were numerous encouraging signs for the team’s future. As they embarked on the second season in the FIA World Endurance Championship’s LMGT3 category, preparations were hindered when the 77 entry, piloted by Ben Tuck, caught fire during the pre-event Prologue.
Despite this setback, the dedicated team ensured the car was back on track for FP1, with rally driver Bernardo Sousa qualifying it 16th among 18 competitors. During the subsequent Qatar 1812km race, the 77 Mustang quickly ascended to second place in-class before a rapid pit-stop propelled Tuck into the lead. Tuck, making his full-time FIA WEC debut, held the lead for nearly an hour before tire issues forced him to relinquish it, and a technical problem halted Sousa’s progress on the start-finish straight.
Reflecting on the race, Tuck stated, “Bernardo made a great start, and everything was going really smoothly. I really enjoyed my double stint and managed to pull off some overtakes. I’m just sad for the team, as they did such a brilliant job getting the car ready for the race.”
Meanwhile, in the sister 88 Mustang, newcomer Stefano Gattuso achieved a commendable top ten qualifying position, with teammate Giammarco Levorato matching his performance during the Hyperpole shootout. The Italian pair and Norway’s Dennis Olsen displayed consistency throughout the race, ultimately finishing in 10th place, a development Proton Competition aims to build on for the upcoming round at the 6 Hours of Imola on April 18-20.
In conclusion, Proton Competition demonstrated resilience and considerable potential in the recent Qatar event, with their performance in both the #77 and #88 Mustangs highlighting their competitive spirit. Despite technical challenges that impacted their results, the team showed notable efforts that they can build upon. As they prepare for the next race at Imola, both drivers and the team remain optimistic about their future achievements.
Original Source: www.fiawec.com
